Following the recent success of the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) College of Law (COL) in the 2020-2021 Bar Examinations, the recognition of Lasallian excellence continues.

Vice Chancellor for Research Br. Manuel “Mawel” Pajarillo FSC, professors, the new batch of Lasallian lawyers, law students, and guests assembled at the Sentrum on May 27, 2022, to witness the bar passers’ testimonies.

The remarks of the College of Law Dean, Atty. Emerito Enginco, opened “Parangal 202021” by commending the college for being the Top 3 Performing School Nationwide with 1 exemplary passer. Br. Pajarillo’s presence was also acknowledged as the one who pioneered the college. Moreover, Atty. Enginco cited different aspects of where Parangal is dedicated to and concluded with the words of St. Paul, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”

After the opening message, the new Lasallian lawyers took turns in sharing each of their College of Law journeys.  Atty. Jose Angelo A. Blay, JD recalled that despite the discouragement that he had received during the process of writing his thesis paper, he rose above the odds by becoming the first-ever Lasallian to win the Best Research Paper at the national level.

On the other hand, Atty. Irene Mae R. Gomos, JD shed tears as she shared how her lone daughter has helped her with the bar examination preparation. Furthermore, she stated that she would make up for the days that she missed her child’s special occasions.

Exemplary passer Atty. Benedict Leandro Montenegro, JD imparted a few tips for aspiring lawyers. “Okay lang matakot. (It’s okay to be afraid.) It will force you to be ready. Pero wag kayong matakot mag-try (But don’t be afraid to try). Study at your own pace at saka sa sarili mong (and in your own) style. Wag kayong mapepressure na kapag ginagawa ng iba, gagawin mo na rin. (Don’t be pressured that you also have to do what they’re doing.)” he said.

After the first half of the sharing, a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Tanglaw Legal Aid Center between the DLSL College of Law and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) also took place. It was attended by Dr. Iezyl Torino, Vice Chancellor for Academics; Dr. Tessie M. Palma, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academics; Atty. Emerito I. Enginco, COL Dean; Atty. Charlton Jules P. Romero, Tanglaw Director; and Atty. Glenn Mendoza, IBP Batangas Chapter President.

Meanwhile, Atty. Antonio Ceasar Manila, COL professor, emphasized that upholding one’s integrity will always be tested in the practice of law. “Hindi dito nagtatapos ang trabaho niyo as Lasallian lawyers. (Your job as Lasallian lawyers doesn’t end here.) It is just beginning. And it begins by maintaining your honor and integrity every day.” 

The event was closed by Br. Manuel Pajarillo by reminiscing the DLSL College of Law’s foundation, followed by his message of gratitude for the efforts of the faculty members and the support of the bar passer’s families. To the new lawyers, “Be thankful, be lawyers of integrity, and find time to serve our country. Animo La Salle!” he ended.

Tanglaw Legal Aid Center 

In the recently signed MOU, in partnership with IBP, DLSL COL was encouraged to actively join the Tanglaw Legal Aid Center. Tanglaw Legal Aid Center was established to both operationalize and expand the Student Practice Rule promulgated by the Philippine Supreme Court to reach the indigent and marginalized sectors of society. 

After the signing, Atty. Glenn P. Mendoza, IBP Chapter President, gave a response stating that the cooperation will provide the stepping stone to explore joint, meaningful activities within the region. He then invited the new lawyers to join the IBP Batangas Chapter. The IBP is the official organization of all Philippine lawyers.