Freshmen Essentials
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foreword On behalf of The Red Chronicles family, welcome to the School of Law at San Beda College Alabang. In this year’s back-to-school issue, we bring you an introduction to the Bedan life and community, heartfelt tips and tricks from our student body on surviving your first year, and some of the latest news and events that affect our day-to-day at school. Getting through law school is primarily about hitting the books, but experience teaches us that it is only when we fully engage in our school community that our journey becomes complete. Keeping tabs on school-related issues is only the first step and we hope to be a vehicle to keep our student body informed, as well as to serve as a platform for students’ voices to be heard. It is our hope that by delivering to you a broad range of news, feature stories, and literary pieces
we can further strengthen student engagement and see more of our community taking an active role in student governance and extracurricular activities. It is indeed never too late. Whether this is your first year, or your last, now is as good a time as ever to take the reins and make the most out of law school experience. In this day and age, it is no longer enough to stand by the sidelines as it is crucial to stand up and be the change we want to see in the world. In the words of Walt Disney “all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”, and as one Bedan community, we can truly achieve anything. We wish everyone the best of luck this year. That in all things, God may be glorified.
Kara Lim Features Editor The Red Chronicles The official student publication of San Beda College Alabang - School of Law 63A, St. Maur Building, San Beda College Alabang - School of Law 8 Don Manolo Blvd., Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
Ceasar Entila | Editor-in-Chief Kaiza Jay Abaincia | Associate Editor Mika Arevalo | Managing Editor
Kara Lim | Features Editor Kaitlin Keith Sierra | News Editor Meg Ariola | Literary Editor Reena Theresa Marquez | Senior Layout Artist Paul Nikko Degollado | Senior Photographer
Nikki Tuble
Gabriel Lacson | Social Media Officer Alvin Patrick Relox | Circulations Manager
Catarina Fernando, Melissa Manansala
Layout Artists
Robert Jian Melchor, Tina Miranda, Leandro Nadal, News Writers
EJ Clemeña
Photographers
Edrese Aguirre, Karl Carvajal, Mark Chan, Eufranio Eriguel, Jr., Literary Writers
Cartoonist
Atty. Rafael Angelo Padilla Faculty Adviser
Grean Añonuevo, Nino Arevalo, Chezka Celis, Dick Martinez, Leiron Martija, Valentin Prieto III, Features Writers
Hayde Talorong | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Pauline Ubaldo | News Editor Emeritus Stephanie Gener| Senior Layout Artist Emeritus
The Red Chronicles accepts original articles from students and faculty members. We also solicit comments regarding the articles featured in our issues.
Vox Populi:
What advice would you give your first year self? By KARA LIM
If experience is the best teacher, then we should certainly make sure we have the best experience possible. In law school, having the best experience often translates to showing up well-informed, well-prepared, well-rested, well-fed, well-read, well-trained, well-loved, but also well-bruised, and well-scarred. In this edition of Vox Populi, we have asked students for their most heartfelt answers to the question: What advice would you give your first year self? Keep this article throughout your first year and look over it when you have questions, when you need encouragement or when you need the assurance that everything will be just fine. 1. If you think cramming worked fine in college, you might want to change that habit now; 2. Read the full text of each assigned case even if the digests are so tempting; 3. Always listen when a classmate is reciting. You’ll never know when your class card will pop up and an “I didn’t hear the question/his answer” won’t make a good recitation; 4. HYDRATE WELL. Your brain will need it now more than ever; 5. Manage your time wisely and make sure you rest; pulling an all-nighter may not be for everyone, especially before exams—hello mental block! 6. Be conscious of your penmanship; 7. Don’t take your professor’s or classmates’ comments personally. We must have a hard shell in law school. The real world is a tougher place; 8. Read your textbooks, plus reviewers (if you have time), and TAKE NOTES during discussion; 9. If you have a long list of cases to study, try to associate ONE WORD for each to help you remember what the case was about; 10. There’s no such thing as a bad recitation; just lessons to learn. -Celestine Generillo, 2nd Year 1. Take time to browse the collection of books that the library has to offer. Oftentimes, they have readings that summarize difficult topics in more manageable forms; 2. Don’t be afraid to ask your blockmates about the reading materials they use for their review. They could provide you with reading materials that could help you cope with the pace of the subject; 3. Taking your time to study alone can be great, but tempering your own collection of knowledge with the input from your classmates through a good group discussion can help expand your understanding about the topic that you’ve studied. -Carl Uriarte, 2nd Year Do not quit. Even when you strongly feel like quitting. Be generous, and give yourself some time to think it over.
As early as possible, know which studying style suits you. School will demand almost all of your time. Still, do not forget to allot some time for yourself. Take care of your health, physically and mentally. -Peachy, 2nd Year Find study hacks. Since reading for hours can be tiring, set time limits for reading and time breaks; 45 minutes for reading and a 5-minute break. After that, 45 minutes again for reading and another 5 minute break. Avoid distractions while studying. If you can, ilayo muna ang gadgets to avoid being distracted. Huwag masyadong competitive sa isa’t-isa. Work well with classmates by doing group discussions and sharing notes. During the first meeting with your professor, take a deep breath when your names are called. The professors won’t do any harm! When you are reciting, answer slowly and calmly so that you won’t get lost in your own words. -Kenneth Oliva, 2nd Year Find an inspiration (parang si happy crush) para ma-spice up ang law school life mo. -Bangsie L., 2 nd Year Huwag isantabi ang mental health. It’s OK to take a break kahit maraming ginagawa, to avoid burnouts or breakdowns. -Gabrielle., 2nd Year Keep a notebook, but not for class. Para ito sa nararamdaman mo everyday (problems, daily evaluation of yourself, etc.) It helps especially if you do not have someone to talk to. That notebook will serve as your friend. -Vanessa A., 2nd Year 1) Make a lot of friends and be a good friend; 2) Go to class with an attitude for learning and not avoiding recitation; 3) Work on your form: good study habits & prioritization of important things to do. -Adrian Dabao, 2nd Year n
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NEWS
Increase in Parking Fees Probed By KAITLIN KEITH SIERRA Photo By PAUL NIKKO DEGOLLADO
A letter announcing the new parking scheme and fees was circulated among car owners going through the gates of San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) last June 16. However, the rates were questioned by the students for reportedly being high-priced and unexpected, receiving no prior notice for the increase. In response to the issue, the School of Law Government (SLG) initiated an online petition through www.petition.org last June 21 to enlist the support of the Bedan community in imploring the SBCA administration to reconsider the increase. As of July 1, a day before the written petition is submitted to the Rector’s Office, the online platform received 848 signatures as support. “The student body believes that the new parking scheme is unfair and oppressive. Given the said rates which, without a doubt are unreasonable, it is apparent that the new rules are detrimental and burdensome both to the students and to the parents. After all, the school is a non-profit organization and is not made for business purposes,” the petition reads. The rates circulated for parking are from 2,000 pesos to 4, 000 pesos while for drop off and pick up is 600 pesos. 4 | The Red Chronicles
According to SLG External Vice President Laira Austria Manankil, the SLG started the petition to voice out the concerns not only of the law students but also the students from other departments of SBCA. She said that after communicating with the student council presidents of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Senior High School Department, Manankil admitted that the said council heads share the same views and opinions with regard to the recently released new parking rates. Concerned law students also gave their opinion on the matter. A fourth year law student suggested that “the petition should also include a solution otherwise it holds no water.” Another student expressed that “there was no due notice for the said increase” and that consultation should have been made with the student body. A third year law student pointed out that “car congestion can be solved if the first-come, first-served policy will be strictly implemented.” As of July 2, the SBCA General Services Office postponed any application for parking permits until the official announcement of the adjusted rates is released. n
SBCA-SOL Represents PH in ASEAN Legal Camp By ALVIN PATRICK RELOX
SOL welcomes new graduates By TINA MIRANDA
The San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCASOL) continues participation in international fora as one of its law students attended the ASEAN Legal Camp held in Singapore last June 21-25, 2018. Laira Austria Manankil, an incoming fourth year law student, was chosen to represent SBCASOL after completing a series of requirements such as submitting an essay about why one deserves to be chosen as Philippines’ delegate and undergoing through the nervewracking screening interview, among others. The evaluation was based on leadership experience and credentials of each of the applicants. The five-day event was a joint venture by the Association of Law Students in the Philippines (ALSP) and the Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) - Singapore Chapter. It aims to expose law students to the different legal education systems throughout the ASEAN region. Thirty (30) Filipino delegates from 17 renowned law schools in the Philippines took part in the said event. Manankil narrated that their first stop was in the Philippine Embassy in Singapore where the assigned Consul Generals and His Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap welcomed
them and conducted a lecture about the ASEAN integration and how it affects the diplomatic, economic, and labor relations of the member countries. A dinner sponsored by ALSA Singapore followed, courtesy of its incumbent president Mr. Siew Jowen. The delegates also attended a walking tour to some of Singapore’s intellectually and physically appealing landmarks including the Singapore National Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, and Fullerton Hotel. Manankil said that a crash course was given to the participants with regard to the history of Singapore specifically the places along the Singapore River which solidified their experience in this Camp. During the last day of the event, the delegates visited the worldrenowned National University of Singapore and Sidney Austin LLP, a US law firm based in Singapore. Manankil recalled “They explained to us how the law works in a global scale specifically on the matter of international arbitration.” The Legal Camp concluded as each delegate gained newfound experiences and knowledge in the field of law. Manankil added “The experience was truly amazing and I highly recommend it to my fellow law students in SBCA-SOL.” n
A new batch of graduates took the stage in the 8th Commencement Exercises of San Beda College Alabang School of law (SOL) last June 3 at the St. Benedict Chapel. The event was led by Fr. Rannie Aquino who imparted an inspiring message for the future Bedan lawyers. Among the 157 law graduates, Kevin Christian S. Matibag was conferred Valedictorian and was granted the Judge Agustin P. Montesa Memorial Award, alongside Aldrin Jose M. Cana as Batch Salutatorian. Special awards were also given to Dawna Fya Bandiola as Chairperson of the Central Bar Operations 2017-2018, Lauren Antonette Mendoza for serving as the School of Law Government as President for Academic Year 2017-2018, Karissa Marie Ramos as Loyalty Awardee, and Ryan John Cancio and Vanessa Jay Sagmit for their respective credentials. SOL Dean Ulpiano “Ulan” Sarmiento III, reminded the graduates by saying “I now remind you again: not only that you do well in the Bar but more so, do well in life”. During this remarkable occasion, the graduates also took their pledge of loyalty to the San Beda College Alabang Alumni Association and to all the objectives for which it was organized. n The Red Chronicles | 5
SAN BEDA COLLEGE ALABANG CAMPUS MAP
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1a - St. Benedict Hall 1b - St. Anselm Hall 1c - St. Gregory Hall 2 - Mary the Queen Hall 3 - St. Joseph Hall 4 - St. Placid Hall & Motorpool 5 - Football Field 6 - St. Maur Hall 7 - Chirst the King Hall (HS Building) 8 - St. Bede Hall 9 - HS Extension Classroom 10 - Covered Courts 11 - Gymnasium 12 - Our Lady of Monserrat Hall 13 - Sports Complex 14 - Swimming Pool 15 - Tennis Court with Parking 16 - Rector’s Residence 17 - St. Benedict Chapel
Ten new words you’ll meet in law school By KARA LIM
In law school, there isn’t much of a Getting-To-Know-You period and a friendly word of advice would be to hit your assigned cases and readings ASAP. But if you’re new to legal jargon, the first glance at a case may prove to be intimidating. Here are some of the most commonly-used terms, abbreviations and law school speak you will find and what they really mean: 1. XPN You’ll see this in reviewers and notes shared by upperclassmen. It simply means “exception to the rule”. For many provisions of law, there is an exception, an exception to the exception and then… let’s not go there! 2. En banc It means, “in bench”. When a Supreme Court decision notes “en banc” the case was heard, decided, and voted on by all the Supreme Court justices. 3. Certiorari Certiorari is a Latin word which translates, “to be informed or made certain in regard to”. A Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court is a special civil action directed against any person, court, agency or party to correct errors of judgement and to nullify invalid acts. 4. Mandamus Mandamus is another special civil action granted by a superior court and directed to a lower court, a person, board or corporation, ordering them to do some specific act that the law requires them to. Mandamus has its roots in the Latin mandare which means, “to command”. 5. Ponente The ponente is the Court’s justice who pens the decision or resolution of the case, after the Court’s deliberation on its merits. And when Court comes with a capital C, it refers to the Supreme Court.
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6. Resolution Resolution? Decision? Same thing? No. A resolution and a decision from the Supreme Court are different in that a decision carries a dispositive portion to resolve a particular case. Meanwhile, a resolution is a point-of-view and a written motion that is formally and officially adopted by the Court. 7. A quo Simply means, “from which” and you’ll see cases peppered with the phrase “This court, a quo…” 8. Nullum crimen nulla poena sine lege There can be no crime where there is no law punishing it. This legal maxim is one of the first you will hear in Criminal Law or in Statutory Construction. 9. Motu proprio Motu proprio translates to, “on his own accord”. You’ll come across this word in your Legal Profession and Legal Ethics classes. Generally, it refers to legal actions that a judicial or quasi-judicial body can take against persons upon their own volition, even when there has been no complaint. 10. Codal In law school, your codal is also your lifeline. A codal is a small book that contains the exact provisions of the law without the annotations or explanations. The three codals that freshmen normally carry around are: the 1987 Constitution (for now), the Civil Code, and the Revised Penal Code. n
WHY
SBCA SCHOOL
OF LAW
IS THE HAPPIEST LAW SCHOOL
By KARA LIM
Every year, Dean Ulan Sarmiento welcomes new members of the law student body to what he terms the happiest law school. Of course he would say that as our Dean, correct? Below, we give you ten (10) unique features why San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCA-SOL) is the happiest law school, - or at least, happier than most. 1. Our learning environment is calm so we can focus 6. Our campus is full of green spaces. our efforts on learning. Have you read about the study that says simply lookSan Beda College Alabang is known as a chill school, ing at the greenery can positively affect mental health? Our but don’t make the mistake of thinking that it is code for campus is full of well-tended plants and green spaces giveasy. We do our best in directing our energy toward what ing us the fresh air and space we need to take that breather. matters, while maintaining an excellent school-life balance. SBCA is also an official bird sanctuary. 2. Students are willing to help one another to pass their subjects. It may come as a surprise, but your upperclassmen and fellow students are more than happy to share their tips, notes, and other tidbits they have come across in their review to make sure that everyone has covered all the bases. It is rare to see a law school where everyone is willing to help each other out. 3. The Bedan value of community. At SBCA-SOL, law students focus the competitive spirit on the self. Ora et Labora comes to life here. It is a simple formula. Pray, ask for guidance from God, and study your heart out. We motivate ourselves (and our classmates) to continue studying to the best of our abilities, using competition to build each other up, not to tear others down. 4. Our library is conducive for learning. Both law school libraries, old and new, are moderately-sized and offer a good ambiance that allows for a little bit of consultation between students who are studying together, but enough quiet to get that serious study session in. At the SBCA-SOL library, there is no such thing as off-limits and reserved seating. Finding a quiet place is more than possible, and because of the library’s cosy size, books, codals, and other reference materials are kept within arm’s reach. 5. The staff at the Dean’s office are friendly and extremely helpful. Our law school experience is made infinitely more meaningful by the hardworking and approachable staffs who help facilitate our entire academic experience. They help us with our concerns, like where to get a class card or how to communicate with our professors. They also advise and encourage us when it comes to our grades!
7. We have a brand new campus building with stateof-the-art facilities. SBCA launched a small museum filled with religious artifacts as well as beautiful sculptures of significant Bedan religious and historical figures dotted around campus. In 2017, SBCA inaugurated the newest school building on campus which boasts of a large canteen, a beautiful and peaceful chapel, a modern library for law students, and top-quality facilities. 8. Our campus has an Olympic-sized pool. A little known fact is that our campus houses a long course pool that, subject to registration, law students may access. This unique facility that SBCA-SOL students have is an excellent chance to develop a new skill, release stress, cool off, and stay fit and healthy. As law students, your performance depends as much on your physical health. 9. There are a number of cafés and dining options all around campus with delicious and student-friendly offerings. There are several cafeterias that serve a variety of reasonably-priced and filling food such as beef tapa, fried chicken, Hong-Kong style noodles, fruit smoothies, pastas, hotdogs, barbecue, and more. But most importantly for us, there are at least three cafes on campus where we can get our can’t-do-without-it caffeine fix. 10. Our professors are among the best and brightest in their respective fields. You will soon come to know that SBCA-SOL has among the best roster of professors such as Judge Wagan, Judge Bibat-Palamos, Judge Mendinueto, Commissioner Sarmiento, Ambassador Tolentino, Senator Saguisag, and Prosecutor Macababbad. There is much wisdom to be shared by our professors who we must take the time to get to know and learn from. n The Red Chronicles | 9
WHO IS WHO IN SOL By KARA LIM
Getting through law school will be no easy feat, but with the guidance and aid of our beloved law school administrators and staff, we can surely achieve our dreams all together. It truly takes a village and we, as students, are only too blessed to be led by the people who help us reach our potential.
Dean Ulpiano “Ulan” Sarmiento III, A.B., LL.B., LL.M. Beloved Dean of the San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCASOL) since its establishment in 2005 and a Bedan through and through, Dean Ulan tirelessly pushes his students to do their best in their studies and become the best Bedan lawyers. Apart from being the Dean, he is also a renowned authority in Education law. Whenever there is trouble, don’t be afraid to go to Papa, as he often says. He treats students like his own children. Believe him when he says that SBCA-SOL is the happiest law school in the world. Fun fact: Did you know that Dean Ulan was a former member of the House of Representatives? During the 14th Congress of the Philippines, he served as the party list representative for A-teacher.
Vice Dean Anna Marie “Melanie” D. Trinidad, LL.B. Vice Dean Trinidad teaches Criminal Law 1 and 2 and has extensive experience in Criminal and Labor law. Fun fact: Before choosing the legal profession, our Vice Dean was a commercial model.
Atty. Carlo D. Busmente, LL.B. Atty. Busmente is the Prefect of Student Affairs and is in charge of liaising with student organizations registered in the School of Law, and ensuring a vibrant and meaningful student experience. Atty. Busmente handles Commercial Law subjects such as Negotiable Instruments Law and Corporation Law.
Atty. Roben “Jun” Cadugo Administrative Officer, School of Law
An administrative officer of the School of Law, Atty. Jun is one of the persons we can run to when we have questions or problems. Atty. Jun can help you when you need to communicate with your professors. 10 | The Red Chronicles
Ms. Vivian Grace G. Villafuerte Ms. Janice Jihan G. Eson Dean’s Office, School of Law
Ate Vi and Ate Ji handle numerous responsibilities for the smooth running of SBCA-SOL and are your go-to persons for adding and dropping of class subjects, scheduling of special classes, room assignments, communications with your professors, enrolment, release of grades, and submission of case digests. No doubt they are always warm and approachable, ready to help a student.
Mr. MJ Autentico Dean’s Office, School of Law
Kuya MJ, as he is fondly known, is a kind friend to all who not only helps us with our administrative needs at the Dean’s office, but also provides encouragement and humor especially when law school gets tough.
Mr. Leo Acuyan Building Attendant, St. Maur Building
Kuya Leo knows the St. Maur building like the back of his hand and is always willing to help students with any concerns regarding classrooms. Even when you talk to him with school or life problems, he always has a word to say. He superbly ensures we have spotless rooms to learn in.
Ms. Sylvia Atienza Guidance Counselor, School of Law
SBCA-SOL graduates have credited Ms. Sylvia as being an important confidante during their law school days. You can visit her office in between your classes and expect her to be in her welcoming smile.
Ms. Nella Abelita-Cobello Registrar, School of Law
Ms. Nella can help you sort out any queries regarding enrolment, certificates of registration, adding and dropping of classes, and student assessment forms.
Ms. Marilyn Yap Head Librarian, School of Law
Ms. Marilyn is a warm and accommodating librarian who will not hesitate to go out of her way to help make sure you gain access to the proper resources. n
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cover (back) JULY 2018