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The PLM College of Law honored its outstanding professors led by newly appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan during a “Faculty Fellowship Luncheon” held last January 17, 2020 at Manila Hotel.

Esteemed guests at the event include retired Supreme Court Chief Justices Reynato Puno and Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and Former Senator Joey Lina. Also in attendance were the PLM Board of Regents led by Chairperson Dr. Francisco Roman, members of the PLM Executive and Management Committee led by President Emmanuel Leyco, and officers of the PLM College of Law Student Council.

A justice who rose from the ranks

Justice Gaerlan rose from the ranks in government service. He was a former public attorney, municipal trial court judge, regional trial court judge, and Court of Appeals associate justice prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court.

Former Chief Justice Puno welcomed Justice Gaerlan’s appointment. He stated that “It’s a matter of historical record that the law school of PLM stands as one of the best in the country. I’m sure that his (Gaerlan’s) academic role in PLM will help him tremendously in fulfilling the high expectations that are expected from the highest court of the land. Congratulations to the honorees, especially to Justice Gaerlan, and congratulations collectively to PLM.”

Former Chief Justice de Castro lauded Justice Gaerlan’s extensive experience stating that “I truly believe that It is significant for a Supreme Court Justice to go through all levels of the judiciary… Considering the extensive and vigorous discussions that we have at Supreme Court, it’s important that someone like Justice Gaerlan be promoted because of his wide experience. Congratulations, Justice Gaerlan and PLM for having one of your own as part of the Supreme Court.”

“An honor and challenge”

In his acceptance speech, Justice Gaerlan welcomed the appointment as “a challenge to contribute to annals of history and catalyst of change for equal and equitable justice to society”.

“The recent appointment is a validation of everything I’ve worked for. I still need to prove myself worthy of the position bestowed upon me. To be among the great minds in the profession is a great honor but with it comes a huge responsibility… With your prayers and support, I’m confident it can be done,” he said.

Outstanding faculty named

The PLM College of Law also  recognized its outstanding faculty for the first semester of 2019-2020. The awardees are professors who received the highest rating in the college’s student-faculty evaluation, with scores ranging from 4.87 to 4.99 out of the perfect score of 5.

The awardees are Atty. Luch Gempis and Atty. Patricia Rebano (professors of Land Titles and Deeds); Atty. Teresita Cruz (Succession); Atty. Kenneth Raymundo (Obligations and Contracts); Atty. Roselle SJ. Sarino (Appellate Practice); Commissioner Gina Cenit-Escoto (Criminal Procedure); Dean Mel Sta. Maria, (Civil Law Review); Atty. Modesto A. Ticman, Jr. (Criminal Law); Atty. Leah Jose-Sebastian (Election Competition Law); Atty. Cecilio Duka (Labor Law Review); Justice Hector Hofileña (Property Laws) and Atty. Reynaldo Lopez (Constitutional Law). They were given a medal and plaque of recognition.

University President Emmanuel Leyco congratulated the awardees and emphasized his vision for PLM. “We have gone a long way. Fifty years ago, PLM was established to promote academic integrity, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Based on our track record, we have established unquestionable academic integrity and excellence, but in terms of social responsibility, this is where we can do more… PLM in 2020 is not going to be the same as PLM in 1967. It will be better” he said.

PLM Regent and College of Law Dean George Erwin Garcia echoed the President’s sentiments and highlighted the university’s exceptional track record of academic performance. “We want the graduates of College of Law to embody our slogan, Lex Ad Bonum Publicum or law for the public interest.”

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is a premiere university that has consistently garnered a 100% passing rate in licensure exams. Since 1965, it has produced competent and socially responsible graduates who have contributed to nation-building. For more information, visit plm.edu.ph.