Justitia: University of Makati Law Journal

31/08/2026

LOOK: The 2026 LMT War Room is officially done!

31/08/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬: 𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐊-𝐒𝐎𝐋 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

On August 29, 2026, the University of Makati School of Law Centralized Bar Operations successfully held its virtual 2026 Bar Send-Off Program, honoring and celebrating this year’s 14 barristers.

The program commenced with a solemn Mass, followed by opening remarks from Dean Jose “Jay” M. Layug, Jr., who reminded the barristers that the Bar Examination is the culmination of years of hard work.

Dean Jay’s remarks were anchored on the UMAK-SOL’s commitment to producing lawyers endowed with competence, integrity and compassion.

The program featured the barrister’s profiles, academic journeys, and theses, along with heartfelt video messages from their families, mentors, and fellow students.

A photo montage also highlighted their memorable years with their blockmates and professors, reminiscent of their arduous yet fulfilling legal training in the UMAK-SOL.

Notably, this year’s battle cry, “𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒔,” symbolizes that the UMAK-SOL community stands behind the barristers, with unwavering belief that they are capable of performing above and beyond due to their relentless efforts of pushing through every doubt and carrying every sacrifice made along the way.

Associate Dean Antony J. Parreño formally sent off the barristers, expressing confidence in their ability to rise to the challenge.

As they embark on this final leg, the UMAK-SOL community stands proudly behind its 14 barristers who are about to take the 2026 Bar Examination.

Best of luck and soar high, Herons!





Written by Ana Marie Z. De Guzman
Photos and screenshots by University of Makati Centralized Bar Operations and Ana Marie Z. De Guzman
Layout by Elise Soriano

31/08/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻, 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻!


𝐍𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐨, oras na para palawakin ang ating bokabularyo sa mundo ng batas!

Bona Fide? Ipso Facto? Sine Qua Non? At ang salitang madalas nating naririnig ngayon — Sub Judice. Mga salitang paminsan-minsa’y ating nababasa at naririnig, ngunit ano nga ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng mga ito?

Lahat ng iyan ay inyong matutuklasan sa ating ikatlo at huling serye ng Legal Jargon Posting!

#𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
#𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻
#𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻
#𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗔𝘁𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘀

Researched and Written by Beatrix De Guia and Janelle Manalo
Caption by Janelle Manalo
Layout by Elise Jazriel Soriano and Chris Angel Perjes

25/08/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻, 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻! ⚖️


Ngayong 𝘽𝙪𝙬𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙤, ating patuloy na tuklasin ang iba pang mga 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 na humubog, nagpatibay, at naging pundasyon ng ating "legal language".

𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘱𝘶𝘴? 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴? 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘦? 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘦? Ano nga ba ang mga ito na madalas nating makita sa hurisprudensya at wika ng mga batas?

Halina't alamin natin sa pangalawang Legal Jargon Posting!

#𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
#𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻
#𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗝𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗻
#𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗔𝘁𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘀

Researched and Written by: Denzel Stat Saguibo
Caption by: Chris Angel Perjes
Layout by: Elise Jazriel Soriano

17/08/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻, 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻! 📚⚖️


Sa pagdiriwang ng 𝗕𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼, ating balikan at tuklasin ang isang wikang maaaring sinauna, ngunit patuloy na nabubuhay sa mundo ng batas—ang 𝙒𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣!

Mula sa mga doktrinang ating nababasa sa legal na sulatin, hanggang sa mga batas na gumagamit ng Wikang Latin, ang mga ito ay bahagi na ng ating kasaysayan, kultura, at tradisyon na patuloy na humuhubog sa ating "𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚".

Tunay nga na 𝙒𝙞𝙠𝙖 𝙖𝙮 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣, 𝙒𝙞𝙠𝙖 𝙖𝙮 𝙆𝙖𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙠𝙖 𝙖𝙮 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙨.

Halina't alamin, unawain, at pahalagahan ang Wikang Latin sa ating bagong serye!

Content and Caption by Chris Angel Perjes
Layout by Elise Jazriel Soriano

06/08/2026

𝐔𝐌𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟑 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The University of Makati (UMak) School of Law celebrated the graduation of its 13-member Batch Excelsior during the University's 53rd Commencement Exercises held on August 5, 2026, at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The commencement exercises, themed "Daloy ng Karunungan: Yakapin ang Kahusayan, Likhain ang Kinabukasan, Mag-alab para sa Bayan," gathered more than 2,900 graduates from the University's various academic units to mark the culmination of their academic journey.

During the presentation of the School of Law graduates, Dean Jose M. Layug, JD., LLM, lauded Batch Excelsior for embodying the ideals of justice and public service.

"Naglalagablab sa kanilang puso at isipan ang adhikain na mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga tao na nasa laylayan ng lipunan at walang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sarili," Dean Layug said.

He further expressed confidence that the graduates would become lawyers who uphold fairness, social responsibility, public service, and the protection of the rights of others.

University President Prof. Elyxzur C. Ramos, PhD, CESE, formally conferred the Juris Doctor degrees upon the graduates, while University Registrar Prof. Danilo C. Sabado, DT, officially opened the commencement exercises and presented the recipients of academic honors.

Following the presentation of the graduates, Prof. Ederson DT. Tapia, DPA, introduced the Guests of Honor, motivational speaker Mr. Chinkee Tan, and EDCOM II Advisory Council member Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon Bautista.

In his commencement address, Mr. Tan encouraged the graduates to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.

During the morning commencement exercises, Makati City First District Councilor Marie Alethea Casal-Uy delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of Makati City Mayor Maria Lourdes "Nancy" S. Binay. The Mayor personally addressed the graduates during the afternoon ceremony.

As Batch Excelsior joins the ranks of UMak School of Law alumni, its 13 graduates now prepare for the next chapter of their legal journey, carrying forward the School's commitment to excellence, justice, and public service.

Written by Michaella Ruiz
Layout by Franco Tido
Photo Credits: University of Makati YouTube Channel (Pagtatapos 2026 [AM Session] Livestream).

05/08/2026

The Justitia: University of Makati Law Journal proudly congratulates its distinguished members, Nestor Lim, Jazz Fabula, and Remuel Torres, on earning their Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Makati School of Law.

We are deeply grateful for the time, service, and commitment you have shared with the Justitia family. As you prepare for the Bar Examinations, may you carry with you the lessons, values, and passion for legal scholarship that you cultivated during your time with Justitia. May these continue to guide you as you embark on the next chapter of your legal journey.

Your Justitia family is immensely proud of all that you have accomplished and will always be cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations, Batch 2026!

Layout by Elise Soriano & Anne Guieb

05/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The University of Makati (UMak) proudly celebrates Pagtatapos 2026 with the theme, "Daloy ng Karunungan: Yakapin ang Kahusayan, Likhain ang Kinabukasan, Mag-alab para sa Bayan."

Join the University community in honoring this year's graduates across its academic programs, including the graduating class of the University of Makati School of Law.

Watch the official YouTube livestream through the link below and witness this momentous occasion.

Congratulations, graduates!

Herons, carry your achievement with humility while soaring high. We are so proud of you.

About the University of Makati:The University of Makati is the Un...

03/08/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕!

Rooted in a journey that spans from early school press conferences to student publications, this year’s Editorial Board carries forward a tradition of editorial excellence in the service of legal scholarship.

As the official law journal and publication arm of the University of Makati School of Law, Justitia remains steadfast in its mandate to provide updates on jurisprudence, legislative and legal developments, and contemporary issues that shape the legal profession, while also documenting the current events of the UMak-SOL community.

01/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: 𝐔𝐌𝐚𝐤-𝐒𝐎𝐋 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟕𝟎 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬.

On July 30–31, the University of Makati–School of Law (SOL), led by the School of Law Government, held its annual Legal Education and Awareness Project (LEAP), cordially welcoming 70 new scholars into the SOL community.

With this year’s theme “Herons Assemble: Preparing for the Journey in Legal Education,” LEAP endeavors to aid freshmen acclimate within the SOL's network and be introduced to different law school fundamentals.

In his welcoming speech, SOL Dean Atty. Jose “Jay” M. Layug, Jr. underscored the popular axiom “with great power comes great responsibility,” declaring that the students will have the responsibility to do good in the interest of upholding justice, albeit the laborious rigors accompanying it.

On the other hand, Makati City District Councilor Hon. Fernando Felix L. Imperial delivered his inspirational message, reinforcing that they rightfully deserved their coveted scholarship spots.

To this end, various speakers discussed SOL policies, facilities and activities to enrich the new scholars’ inaugural first-year experience.

SOL Associate Dean Antony J. Parreño discussed the Academic Policies, Honor Code, and Student Discipline, equipping the incoming scholars with a clear understanding of the standards and expectations that will guide them throughout their legal education.

Moreover, alumni-lawyers, together with selected top students, shared study tips and led mock recitations, giving the new scholars a glimpse of what it felt like to be in a classroom setting prior to the official start of classes.

Likewise, LEAP 2026 was made an avenue for a fun-filled Human Bingo game, student organization freebies, and Rex Bookstore-sponsored raffles and giveaways.

It concluded strongly with the incoming freshmen’s presentation of their batch name, Aletheia, denoting the unconcealment of truth.

𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘢, 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘔𝘢𝘬 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥!

Written by Joana Marie Garcia
Layout by Elise Jazriel Soriano
Photos by University of Makati School of Law Government