TRC Back to School 2019

SURVIVING THE JUNGLE THe juris doctor starter pack

Foreword Being in law school may either be one of the best or worst decisions you have made in your life. True enough, it will change you in one way or another. Though we are not empty vessels when we enter law school as we already have our own principles and prejudices, we are blunt instruments awaiting to be sharpened by experience.

It is grit that separates those who are committed from those who are not. But grit will never be enough. It should come side by side with faith. As a human being, there will always be things beyond one’s control and faith helps you assuage the unrelenting hardships we face. Ora et Labora.

Do not take things too serious at all times, for you may have a heavy heart in this journey. Learn to unwind and also divert yourself towards engagement in extracurricular activities. Law school does not revolve around books, but around the valuable interactions, academic or not, we have with people. Through this, we can become the Bedan lawyer who knows how to give back to the community, especially to those in need. Learn to enjoy law school life without being callous, for to turn a blind eye

on the injustices that surround us will render our study of law heartless.

The Red Chronicles brings you this year’s backto-school issue which will help you with tips and other information you will need as a fledgling student in the School of Law. This will be a preview of what to expect as a neophyte in law school. Through reading this, we hope that you can strategize better. Interact with your batchmates as well as with the higher years so that this fog of studying law may be cleared. With the Bedan community, and not by yourself, you will be propelled towards excellence and success. True enough, experience itself will best teach you in this common endeavor we have chosen. You will commit mistakes and encounter unpleasant experiences, but what is important is that you rectify. Always aspire to be the person who is superior to your former self. “Trust the process”, as the saying goes.

Yet never fail to trust yourself.

Migs Lopez 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

Paul Nikko Degollado | Editor-in-Chief Marryl Ann Ragpala | Associate Editor Rodrick Martinez | Managing Editor

Juan Miguel Lopez | Features Editor Tina Miranda | News Editor Gabriel Luis Lacson | Literary Editor Hera Marie Ydulzura | Senior Layout Artist Janna Mae Santotome | Senior Photographer EJ Clemeña | Social Media Officer Niño Jorge Arevalo | Circulations Manager

Nikki Tuble

Layout Artists

Eunice Jumalon

Literary Writers

Lea Cerrudo, Melissa Manansala Photographers

Annelyse Andal, Karl Carvajal, Chezka Celis, Kara Lim Features Writers

Robert Jian Melchor, Jolykha Toa Lopez Sanchez News Writers Joe Martin Cabaral, Justin Heinrich Salazar Logistics

Ceasar Entila | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mika Arevalo and Kat Belarmino | Managing Editors Emeriti Kaitlin Sierra | News Editor Emeritus Jenica E. S. Ti | Features Editor Emeritus Stephanie Gener and Reena Theresa Marquez| Senior Layout Artist Emeriti Alvin Patrick Relox | Circulations Manager Emeritus Atty. Rafael Angelo Padilla Faculty Adviser

The Red Chronicles accepts original articles from students and faculty members. We also solicit comments regarding the articles featured in our issues.

Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

BAG RAID: A Peek Inside A Law Student’s Bag

By ANNELYSE ANDAL

Since the school year is about to start, assuming that you are already prepared and that you have done your advanced reading already, you might still be unsure of what you should bring with you on your first day of school. Luckily, The Red Chronicles is here to help you as we did a bag raid on a fellow law student to determine the things that you must have in order to survive four years (or more) of law school. Consider putting the following essentials on your check-list:

The will to survive Law school is definitely not for the faint of heart!

Entering law school requires you to be mentally and physically ready. Most importantly, you should also be emotionally equipped to withstand the pressure, stress, and anxiety that may come along the way.

Any form of lucky charm Of course, it is encouraged that everyone should be prepared and ready for their respective classes, but whether it be a bracelet, a crystal, or any lucky charm, law students believe that bringing these things would serve as a security blanket and would be helpful in passing an exam, or dodging recitations.

your trusty yellow pad May it be Victory, Best Buy, Cattleya, or any brand, yellow pads are needed not only for quizzes and note taking, but also for the bulk of case digests that you are expected to submit.

medicine Believe us when we say that the hours spent in the library would always cause headaches and migraines.

When you’re unlucky, too much caffeine, stress, and anxiety might make you keep on going back to the comfort room a couple of times before classes start. To avoid these, we suggest that you keep an assortment of medicines ready for every type of situation.

information-retainers As law students, we are required to read tons of materials everyday. With this, we need markers and highlighters to make reading easier and to help us retain the things that we have read. Having sticky notes and notebooks would also come in handy because jotting down notes makes it easier to commit something to memory.

money For photocopies, books, snacks, and the occasional parties that law students arrange to celebrate Valentines’ Day, birthdays of professors, Christmas parties, or basically almost any occasion we could find a reason to celebrate.

ballpen of your choice Some waited for years to find the right pen for them, but it would always depend on your preference. Your pen should be smooth, it should not be too light, not erasable, and most importantly, it would not smudge your answers on your test booklet.

katinko and white flower Walking inside the library, or in the hallway, you would always get a whiff of ointments and essential oils because they help endure stress, headaches, dizziness, colds and muscular pain.

daily planner It is important to keep track of your deadlines, quizzes, exams and meetings— this is where a planner becomes useful. For most students, creating a checklist of your tasks and assignments is a must, not only for organizational purposes, but also because ticking off accomplishments are tiny victories that give us a rush of endorphins!

spiritual guidance Believe it or not, some students cling to their rosaries in hopes that they would not get called in recitations or that they would get a passing grade. As a Bedan, you would commonly hear the phrase “Ora et Labora”, which means prayer and work. Above all else, you should take this with you throughout your entire law school journey in order to become the Bedan lawyer that you are meant to be.

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NEWS

TRC HOLDS TEAM BUILDING AND TURNOVER EVENT

By ROBERT JIAN MELCHOR

Fresh Batch of JD graduates

By JOLYKHA TOA LOPEZ SANCHEZ Photo by PAUL NIKKO DEGOLLADO

San Beda College Alabang - School of Law (SBCA-SOL) welcomes its first batch of graduates conferred with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree during its 9th Commencement Exercises last June 9 at the St. Benedict Chapel.

Justice Antonio Carpio imparted his guidance as the Commencement Speaker. Atty. Carlo D. Busmente, Prefect of Student Affairs, served as the Master of Ceremonies and the Grand Marshall.

Out of the 144 graduates, Jerekko A. Cadorna claimed the top spot as the Valedictorian and was granted the Judge Agustin P. Montesa Memorial Award being the Most Outstanding Law Graduate.

Meanwhile, Christian Adrianne M. Arbiol was conferred as the class Salutatorian.

Special Awards were given to students showing impressive leadership skills. These awards were presented to Catriona Gayatin, Chairperson of the Central Bar Operations (CBO), and Laira Manankil, President of the School of Law Government (SLG). The Loyalty Awards were given to Paulo Antonio C. Burro and Albert Cesar M. Pereña.

On his inspiration for his achievement, Arbiol responded, “If you desire success, you must court it with perseverance, the ability to compromise and sacrifice of people who will motivate you to do things you never thought you could — but of course, don’t forget to ask for His guidance.”

Resolution 2019-406 issued by the Legal Education Board (LEB) on January 9, 2018 declares that basic law degrees shall be considered as equivalent to doctoral degrees in other non-law academic disciplines for purposes of appointment or employment, ranking and compensation.

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The Red Chronicles (TRC) conducted their annual teambuilding and turnover rites at Casa Resort in Silang, Cavite last June 28 to 29.

The event comprised of writing, photography and organizational skills exercises designed to improve the abilities of the incoming editorial board, as well as their org members.

Likewise, the occasion facilitated the turnover of officers where each was delegated tasks and duties for the next volume.

According to Ceasar Entila, Editor-in-Chief for TRC Volume 12, the primary objective of the team building exercises was to improve the communication and to create rapport among the members. He said, “instead of commanding or ordering something to be done, I learned to delegate tasks, especially to those na nakikitaan ko ng skill na mapapakinabangan for that certain task.”

He also advised incoming Editorin-Chief Paul Nikko Degollado and the new Editorial Board to prioritize the traits of excellence and superiority.

“Ngayon kasi student apathy is ‘yung biggest problem, hindi lahat sumasali sa mga student org lalo na sa publication. Extra obligation siya on your part since nag-aaral din kayo, pero enjoyin niyo lang kasi mag go-grow kayo professionally and matutunan niyo yung value of time management.” he further added.

As the newly appointed leader of the publication, Degollado remarked that his previous officers have accomplished what they set out to do and have done great in building TRC as it is at present.

“We will just improve on what the previous board has started. My goal is to make TRC more relevant, not just to the SOL community, but to other communities as well,” Degollado expressed.

WHO YOU NEED TO KNOW IN SOL

By NIÑO AREVALO and KARA LIM

Before starting your school year in San Beda College Alabang School of Law, you may have met these kind and accommodating people from going around one office to another, or even around school. These are the people who form an integral part of the School of Law family.

DEAN ULPIANO SARMIENTO III

Dean Ulpiano “Ulan” Sarmiento III,

is the Dean of San Beda Alabang

School of Law and our “Papa” in the school. He teaches Obligations and Contracts, and Legal Writing among others. A leader and a father figure to the SOL community, he inspires students to strive to be Bedan lawyers exemplifying brilliance and integrity.

ATTY. CARLO D. BUSMENTE Atty. Busmente is the Prefect of Student Affairs and teaches subjects in Commercial Law such as Negotiable Instruments Law and Corporation Law. You will also get to see him in basketball games in the School of Law. Perhaps his calm temperament and sharp intellect are natural consequences of his sportiness.

Don’t forget to cheer him on!

MR. MARK MENDOZA

Kuya Mark is a recent addition to

the Dean’s Office. You can approach

him if you need any help in following up a professor or just any inquiry on any School of Law matter. He is a quiet and friendly fellow one can rely on various matters within his work.

VICE DEAN ANNA MARIE “MELANIE” B. TRINIDAD

“Vice Dean”, as we fondly call her, is a

professor of Criminal Law and Legal

Technique and Logic. If you see her around, she will always smile and greet you even if she does not know you personally. Her sunny disposition brightens up the room, no wonder she was a former commercial model. Beauty and brains, indeed.

ATTY. ROBEN “JUN” CADUGO Atty. Jun is a product of San Beda Alabang School of Law. He was already part of the administration even before becoming a lawyer, and continues to serve the community even after passing the bar. He is the head staff in the admin and helps the students on various

concerns in law school.

MS. VIVIAN GRACE VILLAFUERTE

Ate Vi and Ate Ji as we call them,

are our frontliners in the office. They are usually the ones stationed by the window of the Dean’s office. Professional and friendly, they are ready to help you in any school matters such as submission of requirements, communicating with professors, and a lot more.

MS. JANICE JIHAN ESON

MS. SYLVIA ATIENZA

Ms. Sylvia is our guidance counselor.

If you have any concerns apart from

the normal hustle and bustle of law school, feel free to approach her. She is more than happy to be of assistance.

MRS. NELLA ABELLITA-COBELLO

Ma’am Nella, a vibrant personality

in the SOL community, can help you with your enrolment and registration. You may visit her office at the St. Benedict Hall near the accounting department.

MR. LEO ACUYAN

Kuya Leo, as we call him, is well-versed

in matters of logistics. His warm greetings when you come in school makes you feel at home.

He is always willing to help you to the best he can.

MS. MARILYN YAP The library is one of the law students’ havens. Ms. Marilyn can help you with reference materials used in law school. Do not hesitate to approach her and ask anything you need from the library.

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SbCA SCHOOL of law orgs

By CHEZKA CELIS

The life of a law student may be busy, but you can put more color to your life by meeting new people and participating in different activities. The following are the organizations that you can join in the school:

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School of Law Government (SLG)Volunteer Corps (VolCorps) If you want to serve the studentry, the SLG can be an avenue for you to materialize the platforms you have in mind. The SLG is primarily in-charge of making sure that the students are well-served through information dissemination and organizing various events.

The SLG - VolCorps is the arm and manpower of the SLG. They help in assisting and executing most of the activities of the School of Law. Election Commision (ELECOM) The ELECOM is mandated to promulgate and implement the proper rules and regulations to ensure clean and honest elections in the School of Law. Students who are unbiased and nonpartisan may apply.

THE RED CHRONICLES (TRC) TRC is the official student publication of the School of Law. Aside from its social media arm, the organization also publishes the school paper every semester, including special issues for backto-school, bar exam, and graduation. Everyone with a passion for writing, photography, and layout design may join.

Centralized Bar Operations (CBO) The CBO offers an avenue for students to be a part of the task of providing academic and logistical support to the Bar candidates in the upcoming Bar exams. If you adhere to the spirit of service and volunteerism, this organization is for you.

The Bedan Review As the official law journal of the school, this organization seeks to increase awareness concerning legal issues and to impart legal knowledge to the Bedan community through legal research. Membership in this esteemed organization is invitational.

SBCA SOL Chorale If you want to express yourself through music, you can join the Chorale. A staple at every law school event, they also endeavor in outside school activities such as outreach programs.

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International Law Debate Society (ILDS) If you want to improve your skills in research, public speaking, and argumentation, you can try the art of debating by joining ILDS. You can also bring honor to our school by participating in various debate tournaments.

School of Law Internship and Development (SOLID) This organization gives alternative learning experiences by conducting seminars and internship programs in cooperation with the School of Law Counseling and Career Development Office, as well as providing internship opportunities and activities.

Human rights center (HRC) In line with the recent events where human rights violations are committed, the country cries to uphold our human rights to preserve human dignity. If you want to be part of this advocacy, you may join the HRC. environmental law society (ELS) As advocates for a cleaner and better environment, the ELS organizes events to spread awareness on environmental problems and possible solutions, such as seminars and clean-up drives.

Lawschool association of working students (LAWS) All working students, employed or entrepreneurs, are welcome to join LAWS. This organization gives recognition and voice to working students of SBCA School of Law. legal aid center (LAC) If you want to help the underprivileged by applying your knowledge in law, you can join LAC. This organization offers free legal services to the poor and disadvantaged through a competently supervised student practice and clinical legal education program.

Student ministry You can share love, generosity, and charity by participating in various programs of this organization. The Student Ministry, a non-profit organization, spearheads charitable activities to help the people who are in need.

HOW TO RECITE?

By KARL MICHAEL CARVAJAL and JUAN MIGUEL F. LOPEZ

The School of Law, like most law schools, follows the Socratic method. It is a technique of law school instruction by which the law professor questions one or more law students, building on each answer with another question, particularly an analogy incorporating the answer. So how does one answer?

The FLAC It stands for “Flag your answer”, “Legal Basis”, “Application”, “Conclusion.” It provides a clear and organized way—ideal but somewhat difficult— of answering recitation questions.

Flag your answer Here you give a categorical answer, either a “yes” or “no”. This also serves as your introduction to your answer. (eg. “No, respondent is not liable”) You must substantiate your categorical answer through using the facts given and the law itself.

When confronted with a categorical answer, answer directly and do not stand on a grey area. However, sometimes a question demands a qualifying answer meaning if a specific circumstance is present, the nature of the answer will be different.

Application It simply means to apply the specific provision or your legal basis to your answer. As an example, you will be saying that, “The marriage between the petitioner and respondent cannot be valid because the petitioner did not possess the legal capacity to marry which is required under Article 2 of the Family Code.” In other words, the plain text of the law which you cited is given life when you apply it to a given set of facts. This helps you to fully understand the meaning of the law. After all, in the study of law, analysis precedes memorization.

Legal Basis This is either the law, jurisprudence, legal doctrine or principle on which you based your answer. Note that in citing the plain text of the law, you must be completely sure as to what article number it is you are referring to (eg. “Article 19 of the Civil Code provides that: Every person must, in the exercise of his rights and in the performance of his duties, act with justice, give everyone his due, and observe honesty and good faith.”). Citing the specific article or section number as your legal basis entails a verbatim recitation of its provision. If you’re not sure, it is better to state the title of the law by saying “Under the Civil Code” or simply “Under the law”.

In citing jurisprudence, you can begin in stating the name of the case or simply by saying “In a case decided by the Supreme Court” or “According to jurisprudence.” It is best to know your specific legal bases in case you are asked to specifically state the same.

Conclusion Lastly, this simply means that you conclude your answer accompanied by your legal basis. This is an example: “For failing to comply with the requirements provided for by law, the Respondent cannot be held liable.” The conclusion must be concise because the facts, legal basis, and application of the latter to the former were expounded already in the previous statements.

Other than the intellectual aspect of delivering one’s answer in such academic discourse, there are other factors that make a good recitation. This includes reciting in a presentable manner, like standing straight; maintaining eye contact, or at least purportedly, with the professor; speaking audibly, among others. It is also crucially important to attentively listen to the professor because some of them do not repeat their questions. Notes are also important both in preparation for recitations and exams. Do respect your professor whether he is praising or berating you. Do not take things too personally and maintain your composure during class.

Bear in mind that this is not the hard and fast rule in answering all kinds of recitation questions. Never forget to use a very important asset—common sense.

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Map

4 - st. placid hall & motorpool 5 - football field 6 - st. maur hall 7- christ the kinG hall (HS building) 8 - st. bede hall/cas building 9 - st. scholastica hall/

hs extension classroom

San Beda CollEGe Alabang Campus

LEGEND:

1A - St. benedict hall 1b - st. anselm hall 1c - st. gregory hall 2 - mary the queen hall 3 - st. joseph hall

JULY 2019

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