Polytechnic University of the Philippines

CoL conducts Virtual Year-End Commencement Exercises

Angelo Acedera, News, Communication Management Office

Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Law conducted its Year-End Commencement Exercises for the Academic Year 2020 – 2021 on June 21, 2021, via Facebook live @ThePUPOfficial.

College of Law Dean Atty. Gemy Lito Festin proudly presented the 21 graduates of the Juris Doctor (JD) program. The 21 students published an academic paper as part of their degree requirements which will be used as reference for future law students.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo served as the keynote speaker and was awarded the Tanglaw ng Bayan Award. Tanglaw ng Bayan (Light of Nation) is the highest award given by the PUP to individuals who have a worthy contribution to the development of the country and its people.

In his speech, Chief Justice Gesmundo reiterated the Lawyer’s Oath to newly graduates, “to maintain allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines, to support the Constitution and obey the laws as well as the legal orders of the duly constituted authorities therein, do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court, not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same, will delay no man for money or malice, conduct self as a lawyer according to the best of knowledge and discretion, with all good fidelity as well to the courts as to clients, impose these voluntary obligations without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”

After the presentation of graduates, Ms. Alyssa P. Diaz, the batch representative delivered her thanksgiving speech where she shared her ups and downs in Law School.

Senator Joel Villanueva, Commissioner on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III, and CHED Commissioner, and PUP Board of Regent Dr. Ronald L. Adamat gave their congratulatory messages to the graduates and parents.

In history, PUP – CoL graduates performed well in Bar Examinations. In the 2017 Bar Exam, PUP – CoL recorded a 100% percent passing rate, while Atty. Jun Dexter Rojas secured the 9th spot in the 2019 Bar Exam. The data show that the college continues to develop and produce future law defenders of the country.