The Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMM CLAO) of Saint Louis University School of Law maintained an active schedule throughout March 2025, handling both courtroom duties and community outreach.
During the first weeks, Law Student Practitioners (LSPs) gained hands-on courtroom experience under the guidance of a supervising lawyer. They appeared in cases both in court and administrative tribunal.
Also, in celebration of Women’s Month, CJMM CLAO organized multiple legal education activities focused on laws protecting women’s rights. The 14 March 2025 seminar, conducted in partnership with Panpacific University, explored three key legislations: the Safe Spaces Act, Magna Carta for Women, and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act.
The office continued its advocacy on 17 March 2025 with two concurrent seminars. Collaborating with the Prime Movers Society, CJMM CLAO presented the legal frameworks established by the VAWC Act and Safe Spaces Act of 2019. On the same day, a seminar on VAWC and Legal Feminism taught participants how to combat gender-based violence and empowered women and children to assert their rights as agents of change.
Expanding its community service efforts, CJMM CLAO partnered with the Paltiing United Seniors Organization (PUSO) on 20 March 2025 to conduct a legal aid mission at Perfecto-Carantes Street, Barangay Malcolm Square. Certified LSPs, supervised by Atty. Jasmine Quiano, provided consultation services to eight clients. Simultaneously, in collaboration with the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF), the office hosted an online VAWC seminar for BJMP Baguio City Jail Female Dorm participants where LSPs discussed various forms of violence, protection orders, and their legal implications.
The month of March concluded with two seminars on 29 March 2025. During Barangay Camp 7’s General Assembly Day, CJMM CLAO discussed Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act (R.A. 11930). The activity was attended by over 200 participants. In cooperation with the Sangguniang Barangay of Sta. Escolastica Village, the office also conducted an informative discussion on the procedures, rules, and updates of the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Through varied initiatives, CJMM CLAO continues to exemplify the ideal integration of legal education, courtroom practice, and community service, thereby fostering SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by ensuring access to justice for all. Furthermore, in spearheading seminars focused on women’s rights and conducting outreach efforts aiding senior citizens and incarcerated individuals, CJMM CLAO actively contributed to both SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (reduced Inequalities). The month’s multifaceted activities demonstrated how law students effectively translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications while expanding access to legal assistance.
