College of Law
The University of the East, having taken its place in the front rank of the country’s educational institutions, opened its College of Law in July 1950, by initially offering first year subjects only.
Dr. Francisco T. Dalupan, Sr., then the University president, acted temporarily as the first dean of the College. Justice Roman Ozaeta, a former senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and Secretary of Justice under Presidents Manuel A. Roxas and Elpidio M. Quirino, became its first permanent dean, effective school year 1951-52. He was succeeded by Prof. Ruperto G. Martin in 1956. Prof. Rodolfo Palma, who later became dean emeritus of the College, was appointed dean on June 1, 1966 -- when Dean Martin was elevated to the Court of Appeals as Associate Justice. When Dean Palma retired on March 31, 1984, he was succeeded by Prof. Agustin O. Benitez, who served as dean until October, 1986. Dean Benitez had also served as member of the Board of Trustees of the University until his death in 2003. He was succeeded by Prof. Celedonio E. Tiongson, who served as dean until the appointment of Prof. Dante O. Tinga on April 1, 1989. Dean Tinga was succeeded by former Justice Undersecretary Artemio G. Tuquero on May 1, 1993, who was subsequently appointed Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals and later Secretary of Justice.
Atty. Carlos M. Ortega, an authority on Criminal and Remedial Laws, took over as dean on May 2, 1996. Dean Ortega’s term, which was extended up to SY 2004, was, however, cut short by his promotion to the position of Vice-President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2000. The position vacated by VP Ortega was filled by Atty. Amado D. Valdez until he was appointed Government Corporate Counsel in April, 2001. During Dean Valdez term, the College co-sponsored the Fourth Supreme Court Centenary.
Lecture on Life Technology and the Rule of Law on the occasion of the Supreme Court Centenary celebration. To improve the quality of law graduates, he also introduced the “mock bar” examinations resulting in the good performance of graduates in the Bar examinations in the succeeding years. Justice Reynaldo L. Suarez, former Senior Deputy Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, assumed the deanship on May 16, 2001. Upon the expiration of the term of Dean Suarez, former Assemblyman of Agusan del Norte and Minister of State for Local Governments (1979-1984), Antonio R. Tupaz, was appointed dean by the Board of Trustees – for a term of one (1) year starting May 21, 2004. He was succeeded by Justice Amado D. Valdez on May 23, 2005.
Every member of the faculty shall pursue the College’s objectives with the following mission statement in mind: “As we recognize the changes around us, our focus will not be anchored on mere material accomplishment but on the pursuit of excellence in the legal profession. We shall hone and nurture men of ideas and values, not to be gladiators with razor-sharp arguments, but with wisdom that pierce the soul, committed to be men of love, peace, truth and justice in the goal of making a difference in our world.”
PHILOSOPHY
The observance of the rule of law and its practice in a free and democratic society must result in what is right and just. This is the perspective which the College of Law upholds – that the rule of law is a vehicle for the attainment of the highest human aspirations and the maintenance of political, economic and social progress and, therefore, must be regarded with zeal in its study. The College of Law stands firm on the commitment that it must inculcate in its students, through a faculty of proven competence and unquestioned integrity, a proper sense of justice and fairness and a passion for truth.
OBJECTIVES
To prepare the students in the area of litigation, mediation, arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution, advocacy, and academic or institutional leadership, as well as manager and administrator in different enterprises such as banking, real estate, insurance, investment, etc.
MISSION STATEMENT
Every member of the faculty shall pursue the objectives of the college with the following mission statement in mind:
As we recognize the changes around us, our emphasis will not only pertain to mere material accomplishments but also to the pursuit for excellence in the legal profession. We shall shape and nurture men of ideas and values, not only to be academic combatants with razor-sharp arguments, but also with a wisdom that pierces the soul -- committed to peace, love, truth and justice.
- Senior Justice Reynato S. Puno Library – It was awarded by the Supreme Court as one of the best libraries of the Philippines. It is distinct from the traditional library because aside from being merely a place of research and study, it will be upgraded as a theatre of debate, contention and advocacy--where government and corporate titans test the acceptability of their ideas and advocacy by articulating them in the Justice Reynato S. Puno Library.
- Legal Aid Office – This is integrated in Practice Court. Senior students handle actual cases and appear in court under the supervision of a member of the Bar.
- The Justice Dante O. Tinga chamber is the Office of the Dean.
- The Secretary Gilbert M. Duavit Lounge (Secretary of Youth and Sports from 1974 to 1978) is the faculty room.
- Secretary Antonio H. Cerilles Chamber – Fully air-conditioned Bar Review and Refresher Course Room (extended to DB 307).
- Fully air-conditioned Multi-Purpose Room housing the Law Student Government and the Bar Operations, named after the General Calinisan and Justice Rodolfo R. Palattao.
- Eight (8) fully air-conditioned and renovated classrooms at the Dalupan Building, named after magnanimous alumni donors, namely Comm. Fortunato P. Aguas Room (DB 304), Cong. Hussin U. Amin Room (DB 305 & 306), Atty. Rufino R. Tan (DB 307), Cong. Roseller L. Barinaga Room (DB 308), Cong. Virgilio O. Garcillano (DB 309), Com. Douglas R.A. Cagas Chamber (DB 310/Old-Mootcourt), Hon. Luzviminda O. Puno Room (DB 311 & 312). Other classrooms are scheduled for renovation.
- Moot Court new at the 4th Floor of Dalupan Bldg. Where Practice Court classes are conducted.
- High-tech computer and risograph machines printing Pre-Bar Review handouts, memoranda, digested cases, research works, journal articles, etc.
- Computerized on-line registration/enrolment.
- Air-conditioned Conference Hall with a capacity of 500 persons -- intended for seminars, symposia, convocations, etc.
Contact Details
College of Law: (632) 735-54-71 loc 323 - 324
Direct Line: (632) 735-69-78
