The Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU SOL), through the Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM CLAO), actively engaged in various community-oriented legal activities throughout February 2025. These efforts reflected the commitment of the SLU SOL to public service, legal education, and social justice.
On 8 February 2025, CJMM CLAO collaborated with the SLU BA Communication Society to conduct a seminar on slander and libel for BA Communication students. The session aimed to equip students with a solid understanding of the legal implications of defamatory communication in preparation for their internships. Emphasizing ethical and responsible communication, the seminar featured discussions on Philippine jurisprudence and real-life case studies.
On the same day, the office also conducted an orientation on the Rights of a Child upon the request of the Punong Barangay of Barangay Holy Ghost. The session covered the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Presidential Decree No. 603, presented by law student practitioners Kaiser Olga Portuguez and Jeneffer Palacsa-Baltazar. Post-assessment results showed that participants gained effective knowledge and expressed satisfaction with the session.
On 13 February 2025, SLU SOL Dean, Atty. Yasmine Lee Tadeo, and CJMM CLAO law student practitioners participated in a Consultation Workshop hosted by The Asia Foundation at Le Monet Hotel, Baguio City. The event brought together various stakeholders—including the Commission on Human Rights, civil society organizations, and other law school legal clinics—to explore future collaborations in advancing human rights protection and strengthening legal aid efforts.
CJMM CLAO also partnered with the Masters of Arts in Social Sciences Students Association and the College of Social Sciences Student Government of Benguet State University for a seminar on Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). The session aimed to raise awareness on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, covering the law’s historical context, key provisions, and jurisprudence. Feedback showed improved understanding and appreciation among participants, especially those from IP communities.
On 14 February 2025, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, CJMM CLAO held a legal aid activity that provided free legal consultations and simple document notarizations at Saint Louis University. The event received positive feedback, with participants commending the efficient and responsive service of CJMM CLAO.
On 16 February 2025, certified Law Student Practitioner, Maisie Las-sin, under the supervision of Atty. Victoria P. Dines, appeared for an accused in four estafa cases for the promulgation of judgment at the MTCC of Baguio City, Branch 2. The accused, through the assistance of law student practitioners and supervising lawyers of CJMM CLAO, was acquitted in all four estafa cases.
From 18 to 19 February 2025 CJMM CLAO participated in a two-day seminar organized by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) officers representing Baguio City’s 128 barangays. Responding to PDAO’s call, law student practitioners served as resource speakers and support staff.
They facilitated discussions on several social justice laws including the Senior Citizens Act, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC), the Safe Spaces Act, and the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (RA 9442). The seminar aimed to deepen the participants’ knowledge of laws affecting vulnerable sectors and was met with high satisfaction and improved understanding among attendees.
23 February 2025, CJMM CLAO hosted a webinar titled “Zamora Empowered Youths: Fostering Safe Spaces and Good Governance,” in partnership with the youth and SK officials of Barangay Zamora, Tayug, Pangasinan. Supervised by Atty. Dines, law student practitioners discussed the Safe Spaces Act and the principles of good governance, encouraging participatory leadership and civic engagement among young leaders. Participants reported increased understanding of both the law and their roles as community leaders, with all feedback indicating high satisfaction and relevance of the content.
Concluding the month’s activities, CJMM CLAO joined the Baguio City Justice Zone and the City Government of Baguio in a Data Privacy Forum on 27 February 2025 at ION Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City. Themed “Digital Bayanihan para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online,” the forum was held in celebration of Safer Internet Day and aimed to educate junior high school students on responsible digital behavior.
Law student practitioners, under the supervision of Atty. Dines, discussed the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and provided practical tips on safe internet habits and online ethics. The interactive forum was well-received with students expressing a desire for similar future activities.
These activities support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education, as law students enhanced their skills while promoting legal literacy; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through access to justice and court representation; and SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals, by fostering collaborations with different institutions. The initiatives are also aligned with the CICM Advocacy on Justice and the CEAP JEEPGY values on engaged citizenship, demonstrating SLU’s continuing commitment to justice and social responsibility through community legal service and education. (Article and Photos by SOL and CJMM CLAO)
