Faculty of Civil Law Archives - ��ɫ

Civil Law launches digitized copies of UST Law Review in celebration of publication’s 75th year

Hans Malgapu — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:49:26 +0000

The Faculty of Civil Law, in collaboration with the Miguel de Benavides Library, launched the digitized copies of UST Law Review on April 23, 2025 at the Miguel de Benavides Library Conference.

Spanning 65 volumes consisting of 152 issues and 24,232 pages, the digitized student-edited publication contained a prolific pool of scholarship such as case studies, commentaries, and book reviews that discussed and addressed pressing legal issues. The contributors of his journal were law professors, members of the judiciary, as well as the editorial board. The digitization project hereby preserved decades of legal scholarship, and at the same time aimed to share the light of knowledge to scholars and readers alike.

UST Law Review Editor-in-Chief Cindel Ong shared that the publication evolved as a medium for discussion of pressing legal issues and aimed to serve as a vessel to chart new territories of the law. “Since its foundation, the UST Law review paved the way for enriching legal and scholarly discourse among the members of the Faculty,” Ong said.

In his message, Faculty of Civil Law Dean Atty. Nilo Divina, JD, the digitization project was an homage and commitment to its forbearers to preserve and share their legacy and insights written in each volume. “The Law Review was both a guide and a mystery, teaching us how to read critically, think deeply, and respect those who came before us,” Dean Divina shared.

Junior Librarian Symon Lagao, RL, LPT, MALIS, Assistant Head Librarian for Digitization of the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario – UST Heritage Library, shared the overview of UST Law Reviews’ digitization project.

Lagao recalled that the project, proposed by its editorial board, commenced in March 2021 as part of the publication’s modernization efforts. “At its core, digitization is truly a labor of love, demanding not just time and effort, but also a commitment to preserving knowledge for future generations.” Lagao said.
Browse through the website’s URL at , or the library website at .

The event also opened its retrospective exhibit in celebration of its 75th year, showcasing the contributions of the journal in the long history of the Faculty of Civil Law. it will run until May 30, 2025.

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Two Thomasian lawyers reach Top 20 in 2024 bar exams

Hans Malgapu — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:38:54 +0000

Two Thomasian lawyers made the cut in the Top 20 of the 2024 bar examinations, announced on Dec. 13, 2024 by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Pierre Angelo Reque II scored 82.7950% and secured the 20th rank, while Andrew Gil Ambray scored 83.4450% to secure the 12th place.

UST is #4 top-performing law school with more than 100 candidate after logging a 80.35% passing rate, producing 139 passers

The national passing rate was 37.84%

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UST gets support from DivinaLaw Foundation for doctorate, master’s degrees of Civil Law faculty

Philippe Hernandez — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:04:58 +0000

The ��ɫ, through the UST Research and Endowment Foundation Inc. (UST-REFI), formalized its partnership with the DivinaLaw Foundation Inc. to pave the way for scholarship grants for academic staff of the Faculty of Civil Law. This was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement signed on April 8, 2024 at the Rector’s Hall.

The agreement was signed by Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, DivinaLaw Foundation, Inc.’s Founder Atty. Nilo T. Divina, JD. Serving as witnesses were UST Graduate School of Law Dean Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, DCL and DivinaLaw Foundation, Inc. Corporate Secretary Atty. Lean Jeff M. Magsombol.

With the support of the DivinaLaw Foundation, this partnership aims to provide scholarship opportunities to faculty members and those wanting to explore the Master of Laws and Doctor of Civil Law programs offered by the UST Graduate School of Law. Likewise, this scholarship program will cultivate the next generation of Thomasian legal scholars, advocates, and leaders.

For the Rector, the scholarship program is pivotal to the University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, advancing faculty development, and creating an environment where knowledge is actively utilized to address real-world challenges. “The University’s mission as an institution of higher learning is geared toward generation, advancement, integration, dissemination, and the application of knowledge,” fr. Ang said.

Dean Divina, who has been leading the Faculty of Civil Law since 2009, said, “To attract the best, you have to offer the best.” Thus, this partnership is their contribution to the University’s cause. “This scholarship program represents our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. It is our way of saying we are committed to adjusting standards and raising the bar,” Divina said.

According to Dean Kaw, the scholarship grants are more than just faculty development programs. “They are investments not only to the individual aspirations of the deserving candidates but also to the advancement of the legal profession,” Dean Kaw said.

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Bie, Buencamino lead 2023 Bar passers; UST is 5th top-performing school

Hans Malgapu — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:27:03 +0000

Two Thomasian Lawyers ranked among the 20 best examinees the 2023 Bar Examinations, as announced by the Supreme Court on December 5, 2023.

Ephraim Bie topped the bar exams with his 89.2625% rating, while Pio Vincent Buencamino ranked 8th after notching an 88.25% rating.

UST is named the 5th top-performing school after posting an 85.25% passing rate, or 104 passers, higher than the 36.77% national passing rate.

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UST pays tribute to 44 academic staff retirees of AY 2022-2023

Philippe Hernandez — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 23:00:44 +0000

On July 25, 2023, the ��ɫ feted forty-three (43) teaching and non-teaching academic staff who either reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 years old or availed of optional retirement through a Testimonial. The event will start with a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by the Rev. fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs.

University officials led by the Rector, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, and academic unit heads joined the event to confer the recognitions upon this year’s retirees, namely:

Accountancy

Inst. Rosalina L. Erece, MS – 8 years of service

Asst. Prof. Shirley C. Ireneo, MA – 39.5 years of service

Architecture

Assoc. Prof. Leah P. dela Rosa, PhD – 28 years of service

Arts and Letters

Asst. Prof. Jocelyn A. Amongo, MEd – 26 years of service

Prof. Arlen A. Ancheta, PhD – 42.5 years of service

Asst. Prof. Zenaida L. de Luna, MEd – 25.5 years of service

Asst. Prof. Gonzalo R. Malihan, PhD – 16 years of service

Prof. Felicidad E. Pereña, EdD – 22 years of service

Asst. Prof. Josephine A. Placido, MA – 41.5 years of service

Civil Law

Prof. Philip A. Aguinaldo, Ll. B. – 40 years of service

Counseling and Career Center

Assoc. Counselor Monica Sophia D.L. Tuason, PhD – 20 years of service

Engineering

Assoc. Prof. Josefin S. de Alban, Jr., MS, Ll. B. – 44 years of service

Fine Arts and Design

Inst. Guia Concepcion A. Sarte – 6 years of service

Medicine and Surgery

Asst. Prof. German Jose T. Albano, MD – 28 years of service

Asst. Prof. Jolinda V. Almazan, MD – 30 years of service

Prof. Mary Jocylyn S. Bautista, MD – 32 years of service

Prof. Remedios D. Chan, MD – 36 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Nilo C. delos Santos, MD – 32 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Alejandro Bimbo F. Diaz, MD – 36 years of service

Prof. Maria Honolina S. Gomez, MD – 29.5 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Lerrie D. Gutierrez, MD – 26 years of service

Prof. Albert E. Ismael, MD – 30 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Iluminada M. Lerma, MD – 30.5 years of service

Prof. Norberto V. Martinez, MD – 34 years of service

Prof. Alejandro Jr. V. Pineda, MD – 32 years of service

Prof. Raymond L. Rosales, MD – 35 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Josefino I. Sanchez, MD – 30 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Marie Michelle Y. So, MD – 30 years of service

Prof. Anniela Y. Soliven, MD – 32.5 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Ma. Irene B. Tangco, MD – 30 years of service

Nursing

Assoc. Prof. Eden I. Beltran, MA – 34 years of service

Asst. Prof. Cecilia P. Buenaflor, MA – 34 years of service

Asst. Prof. Margaret M. Natividad, MA – 39 years of service

Pharmacy

Prof. Ma. Cristina C. Doria, PhD – 42 years of service

Asst. Prof. Andrea G. Vargas, MS – 30 years of service

Religion

Prof. Noel G. Asiones, PhD – 40 years of service

Asst. Prof. Jose Carlos, MA

Asst. Prof. Catalina M. Lituañas, MA – 40 years of service

Asst. Prof. Claudita O. Yaranon, MA – 36 years of service

Science

Asst. Prof. Catherine C. Carson, MS – 28.5 years of service

Assoc. Prof. Alicia Ely J. Pagulayan, MS – 39.5 years of service

Asst. Prof. Ma. Victoria B. Pangilinan, MS – 26.5 years of service

Asst. Prof. Marites D. Saludares, EdD – 34 years of service

Prof. Marie Antonette S. Vargas, PhD – 30 years of service

A life of great service

In his homily, fr. Tiong, on the occasion of the Feast of St. James the Apostle, thanked the retirees for their many years of service, “one of the central themes of the day’s Gospel.” “This [gratitude] is really something that comes from the heart of the University…because…you have graced the University by your presence, by your very person,” fr. Tiong said in his homily.

During the testimonial, Prof. Peralta lauded the retirees for molding their students’ character and empowering them to contribute positive changes in the world through education. “As you step into the next chapter of your lives in retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for selflessly dedicating yourselves to molding young minds, motivating discouraged hearts, and uplifting dampened spirits that allowed Thomasian students, alumni, and university staff reach what they are today,” Peralta said.

In his message, fr. Ang stated that seasoned teachers have fulfilled their roles when students finally develop their own moral compass to guide them in life and extend their learnings beyond the classroom, as well as getting remembered for acknowledging and treating them well. “They will remember how well you treated them, how they felt valued and cared for, and how you recognized their unique gifts and talents,” fr. Ang said.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Josefin de Alban, Jr. delivered his acceptance speech on behalf of the retirees, emphasizing that the University they served for years will always be their home. “Retiring faculty members shall never leave UST. We shall never forget,” de Alban said. “UST is our home and we always wanted to be in this beloved Pontifical University whenever we are away from her,” he added.

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Opina leads new Thomasian lawyers in 2022 Bar Exams

Philippe Hernandez — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:24:34 +0000

Atty. Louis-mari R. Opina, JD leads the newest crop of Thomasian lawyers who hurdled the Bar Examinations administered by the Supreme Court, which released results on April 14, 2022. Opina was the 19th placer among 3,922 newly minted Attorneys.

The ��ɫ was also counted as the Top 5 law school for producing the most number of passers from a candidate pool of over 100 examinees. The ranking, based on first-time examinees, saw UST secure the fifth spot and post a percent rating of 79.87%. A total of 127 Faculty of Civil Law graduates who were first-time takers passed the Bar Exams.

The results came out five months after the four-day exams were held in November.

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UST posts a 93.06% passing rate in the historic February 2020-2021 bar examination

Hans Malgapu — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:30:17 +0000

The ��ɫ ranked 5th in the top performing schools with more than 100 examinees in the February 2020-2021 Bar examinations after posting a 93.06% passing rate, producing 201 new Thomasian lawyers. Moreover, 25 of the new Thomasian lawyers were exemplary passers who notched an 85-90% passing score.

After a series of postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the historic February 2020-2021 Bar examinations mainly switched to digital mode and was finally held on February 4 and 6, 2022 in 31 testing sites nationwide.

No topnotchers list

In consideration of the circumstances which the two batches of examinees went through amid the pandemic, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and Bar Chairperson Marvic Leonen noted that the topnotchers list will be withdrawn and instead will be in recognition of the examinees who posted an exemplary performance.

The oath taking ceremonies will take place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 2, 2022.

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Custodio of Law bags gold medal in S. Korea-based int’l music competition

Hans Malgapu — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 07:44:56 +0000

Besting 53 other musical pieces from 28 countries, Faculty of Civil Law freshman Mr. Ryle Nicole Q. Custodio bagged the gold medal in the Composition Competition of the Busan Choral Festival and Competition (BCFC) 2021, a two-day music festival in Busan, South Korea on October 23-24, 2021.

Custodio’s award-winning a capella piece was entitled “Tagu-taguan“. It was premiered by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

According to Custodio, in an interview with , his inspiration in writing Tagu-taguan back in 2019 was in remembrance of his childhood, which inspired him to write a song constructed from his memories and personal experiences and, at the same time, a musical vignette that harked at the Filipino culture among children.

The judges of the competition were Anton Armstrong (USA), Ki-Sun Lee (South Korea), Soon-Jung Kim (South Korea), Young-Jo Lee (South Korea), Yu-Chung John Ku (Taiwan), and Zoltán Pad (Hungary).

This is also the second time that a Thomasian has bagged the gold medal in BCFC. Previously, in 2019, Mark Agpasa of the Conservatory of Music and the world-renowned UST Singers received the gold medal for his piece entitled, Jubilate Deo.

Custodio holds a Bachelor of Music degree, major in composition, minor in viola and kulintang performance, which he earned at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

The theme of this year’s BCFC was “Nothing Can Stop us from Singing Together”.

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Dean Divina, Gonzales, dela Cruz of Civil Law among top 100 lawyers in PH

Hans Malgapu — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:40:49 +0000

Faculty of Civil Law Dean Atty. Nilo T. Divina Ll. B and faculty members Atty. Enrique V. Dela Cruz, Jr. and Atty. Alden Francis C. Gonzales were included in the 2021 Top 100 A-List of Lawyers in the Philippines, released by the Asia Business Law Journal. The announcement was posted on September 14, 2021.

The inclusion of the Divina and his colleagues marked the fourth time the DivinaLaw, a leading full-service law firm in the Philippines founded by Atty. Divina in 2006, made it to the list. The lawyers from the firm who were also included in the list were Atty. Estrella C. Elamparo, and Atty. Danny E. Bunyi.

A seasoned corporate and banking lawyer, Divina is one of the top experts in commercial law and is often tapped as a bar reviewer and legal consultant. He is the author of the books Handbook on Phillippine Commercial Law, Guidebook on Commercial Law, and Bar Q & A for the Past 10 Years: Commercial Law, which are primary resource materials for law students and lawyers. He has been serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Law since 2009.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz earned his degrees BA-Legal Management and BA-Law in the University. He specializes in civil, criminal and commercial litigation; election laws; local government &taxation; government contracts and regulations; and international commercial arbitration.

In his legal experience, Gonzales has represented many clients from the various sectors to the court. Moreover, he is serving as the University’s bar reviewer since 2007. He specializes in civil and commercial litigation; arbitration; taxation; labor and employment; and collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

According to the Asia Business Law Journal’s website, the recognition was “based on nominations from clients, from in-house counsels and Philippine-focused partners at international law firms outside the country”. Asia Business Law Journal is one of the leading legal magazines in Asia.

View the complete list of the 2021 Top 100 A-list of lawyers in the Philippines:

Layout credit: DivinaLaw

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Dimaampao of Civil Law joins High Court as 191st SC Justice

Hans Malgapu — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:05:39 +0000

Faculty of Civil Law faculty member and former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao was named the 191st Supreme Court Justice, in an announcement confirmed by the High Court on September 14, 2021.

Appointed on July 2, 2021, the Dimaampao will serve until 2033.

A seasoned CA Assoc. Justice and an expert in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence, Dimaampao teaches Taxation, Mercantile Law, and Commercial Law Review in the University. Moreover, he is the second Muslim jurist and magistrate to join the league of top rank justices in the high court since 1987.

Layout credit: UST Civil Law Student Council

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