PRIMER ON THE PhiLSAT

The Legal Education Board (LEB) recently released a memo stating that starting Academic Year 2017-2018, all students who wants to study should take the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhiLSAT) and obtain a score of at least 55%.

The objective of this new measure is to improve the quality of legal education in the country. 

The PhiLSAT will cover the following topics:

• Communications and Language Proficiency:
• This subtest measures the ability to recognize grammar and usage errors and determine the appropriateness of words and phrases in given sentences. This subtest consists of three question types—sentence completion, identifying sentence error, and improving sentences.
• Critical Thinking Skills:
• This subtest measures the ability to analyze and evaluate reasoning in written materials and to draw conclusions about given propositions. This subtest consists of two question types—logical reasoning and analytical reasoning.
• Verbal Reasoning:
• This subtest measures the ability to understand written materials and make conclusions based on their content. This subtest consists of reading passages followed by questions about the passage.
• Quantitative reasoning:
• This subtest measures the ability to apply basic mathematical skills to the analysis and interpretation of real-world numerical information to draw conclusions. This subtest consists of three question types—pattern recognition, data interpretation, and data sufficiency.

However, law schools have the discretion of giving additional or supplemental exam in addition to the PhiLSAT such as essay exams or a panel interview. In addition, law schools are also given the discretion to impose a higher passing score before admitting a student.

Students who garnered a score lower than 55% can still be admitted, provided, that the Dean of the Law school will give the a written justification to the LEB for each student stating  the reasons for admitting him/her and the general weighted average obtained of the applicant in his/her bachelors degree.

If the written justification could not be done, the student can still retake PhiLSAT as the memo states that a qualified examinee may take the PhiLSAT as many times as he/she wants, without any limit.

The qualification for the PhilSAT examinees are the same as regards the admission policies of law schools which have entrance exams. The only difference is that Honor students who were given Professional Civil Service eligibility two years from their graduation date, are exempted from taking PhiLSAT,  they just need to submit their Certificate of Eligibility to the LEB. For the format of the  exemption form, just click the link. For the certification form from your school, just click the link. 

PhiLSATS shall be administered at least once a year starting this April 16, 2017.

Testing centers shall be located in the following:

• Metro Manila - Univesity of Santo Tomas
• Baguio City - University of the Cordilleras
• Legaspi City - Aquinas University
• Cebu City - University of San Jose-Recoletos
• Iloilo City - University of SanAgustin
• Davao City - Jose Maria College
• Cagayan De Oro City - Xavier University

Additional testing dates and testing centers shall be fixed by the LEB as necessary.

The testing fee is now finalized and it Php 1,000.00 which can be paid online or via on-line counters at the any Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) branches.

All Law Schools are expected to comply with the memorandum released by the LEB. Administrative sanctions, as much as Php 10,000 per infraction. shall be given to the Law Schools if they violate the provisions of the memo.

To view the complete instructions for PhiLSAT, just click this link.

For PhiLSAT practice items, just click this link

TOP PERFORMING LAW SCHOOLS DURING THE 2015 BAR EXAMS

Highest Ranked Law Schools based in Over-all Passing Rates

1. University of the Philippines
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. Ateneo de Davao University
4. San Beda College - Manila
5. University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna
6. University of San Carlos
7. Centro Escolar University
8. University of Santo Tomas
9. St. Thomas More School of Law and Business
10. De La Salle Lipa
11. Angeles University Foundation
12. De La Salle University-Taft
13. Silliman University
14. University of Cebu
15. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Highest Ranked Law Schools for New/First Time Examinees

1. Angeles University Foundation
2 University of the Philippines
3. Ateneo de Davao University
4. Ateneo de Manila University
5. University of Santo Tomas
6. University of San Carlos
7. San Beda College - Manila
8. De La Salle Lipa
9. University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna
10. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
11. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
12. Saint Louis University
13. Silliman University
14. Centro Escolar University
15. Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

Source: Legal Education Board of the Philippines

MY MODEST EXPECTATIONS AS A LAKER FAN FOR '16-17 SEASON

Since the last playoff trip of the Lakers last 2013. Their season record were
2013-2014 27-55
2014-2015 21-61
2015-2016 17-65
2016-2017 ??-??

Needless to say, they miss the playoffs during those times (sigh)

This upcoming season will bring a new chapter to the illustrious NBA Franchise. With a new coach, an exciting roster of young and promising players, and the departure of the Laker great, Kobe Bryant, this season brings hope to the Lakers' loyal fan base that the team is headed into the right direction and back to being relevant in the league.

Year-in and Year-out, various rumors involving the Lakers are released to the public. Kevin Love going to the Lakers, Rondo going to the Lakers, Aldridge going to the Lakers, Durant going to the Lakers and so on and so forth. It is getting tiring but I must admit, it gets my hopes up a little bit.

That being said, I have a few expectations for my Lakers for this '16-17 season.

1. THE LAKERS WILL WIN 30 GAMES

The Lakers haven't won 30 games in a season since Kobe's Achilles injury. They should win at least 30 games or finish at least 12th in the West for them to show improvement and for them to show the top-tier Free Agents that they one or two piece away from going back to the Playoffs.

I see the Lakers back in the playoffs by 2018.

2. BRANDON INGRAM WILL STRUGGLE EARLY AND OFTEN IN THE SEASON BUT WILL STILL BE INCLUDED IN THE NBA ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

D'Angelo Russell also struggled during the early stages of the season due to lack of playing time, poor defense and also because of turnovers. However, his performance in the 2nd half of the season was enough for him to belong to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd team.

Expect that Brandon Ingram will also struggle. He will be overpowered by the veteran bigs of the league early but once he get acclimated, he will flourish. The key is he should stay grounded and soak up as much knowledge as possible from Coach Luke and from the other veteran players in the roster just like what Kobe did to D'Angelo.

3. LARRY NANCE JR. WILL JOIN THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST

If not because of his injury, Larry should've joined last the Slam Dunk Contest against Aaron Gordon and Zach Levine.

Barring some serious injury, Larry Nance Jr. will showcase his hops and creativity in the Slam Dunk Contest

4. LAKERS WILL REVEAL THAT THEY WILL BE RETIRING BOTH KOBE'S JERSEY NUMBERS
If the City which you played for in the last 20 years named a day after you, I think that is enough proof that both of Kobe's number 8 and 24 should be retired. 
Kobe said it best when he said during one his interviews that
“if we do retire one number, it’s going to be very, very hard for someone else to wear the other.”

HOW BARNEY AND SHELDON HELPED ME OVERCOME HOMOPHOBIA

I must admit.

When I was in High School, I was afraid to be associated with gays.

I don't really hate them but I just don't want to be seen with them. The reason being is that I might get mocked by my other friends. I viewed the 'third sex' as a weakness or worse, sickness that is akin to a contagious disease. I picture gay men as sex-hungry individuals who are just waiting for their unknowing prey in order to satisfy their prurient interest.

That was then. 

That kind of change when I went to college. The time when I lived in a dormitory.

During my time, we had the largest contingent of new freshmen who lived in the dorm. We outnumbered the upper batch residing in the dorm.

Living in a dormitory taught me how to interact with other people who came from provinces all over the Philippines.

I befriended all of my dormates. Straight, weird ones, Closet ones and even the gay ones. I learned that interacting with them is not that bad at all. It also helped that most of my professors in the Humanities Department are members of LBGT. I was slowly shedding off my 'homophobic' self.

However, the real game changer for me was when the actors who played my favorite TV series characters Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) were actually gay men in real life. 

Knowing how they are in a long-term relationship with their partners warms my heart. The news that Neil Patrick Harris and his partner David Burtka adopted a baby further erased any doubts of my earlier prejudices about the gay community. 

Same thing with Jim Parsons.

Barney and Dr. Sheldon Cooper are my two favorite TV characters because of their wit, charm and appeal. The former is Legen *wait for it* *that's right* dary! while the latter is a scientist who is so smart that he probably knows every trivia there is to know.

I thought to myself that it would make me some sort of hypocrite if I despised gay men but love the characters of Barney and Sheldon Cooper. It opened my mind that I shouldn't be putting gay men in such a bad light.

Actually this post has been on my drafts folder for over a year now.  I tried to finish this in light of the tragic event that transpired at Orlando.

50 innocent lives were brutally murdered by deranged gunman. The crime can also be considered as a "hate crime" as all of the victims are members of the LGBT Community. As the story was developing, it was discovered that the gunman was actually a closeted gay.

We now live in the modern world. We should be moving forward and not going backward in the moral front.

Yes, members of the LGBT Community are different in a way that they want to live their lives. But, it does not give any other person the right or the duty to inflict bodily harm or violence towards them because of that difference.

Hate crimes like any other crimes should not be tolerated. Some say the problem is the enforcement of gun control laws.

I beg to differ.

I don't own a gun and I have no intentions of buying one in the foreseeable future.

But I don't think guns are the problem. A criminal will use any tool he could use in order to successfully execute his criminal activity. A gun is a mere tool.

A gun couldn't kill a person if it is just lying around the table. However, a person who has no moral compass could use the gun to kill another person.  I agree with most of the articles I read in the internet that mental illness is a bigger concern than gun control laws.

Going back to the earlier topic, members of the LGBT Community are also humans. It is senseless to inflict, ridicule, harm or violence on them because they are members of such community.

We are all humans, Let us treat each other as humans. 

FRESHMAN GUIDE: WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES

Congratulations!!!

You are about to embark on a new journey in your life. This journey will present new challenges which will test your will and determination.  This path will lead you to your dream of becoming a lawyer. 

WELCOME TO LAW SCHOOL!

So let's get down to business.

During the first week, more often than not, your professors will not come to class
(insert smiley face). 

HOWEVER,

If ever they come to class, the first thing the class should do is to stand-up when the professor is about to enter the room. This is a sign of courtesy and respect.

The professor will then check the attendance of the class and will distribute the class cards. 

Fill-up your classcard with the necessary information 

If he/she hasn't introduced her name in your class, you have the option to ask him/her. If ever the said professor didn't divulge his/her name, you could ask the Dean's Office later (ask them nicely)

The professors will also select the student who will be the class beadle. The beadle is tasked to speak in behalf of the class and distribute any information pertinent to the class. The professor will contact the beadle in case he/she could not come to class or will give additional assignments etc.

Next is the professor will give their house rules.

Every professor has his/her own house rules so keep note of them. Some prohibit the use of gadgets in class, some only allow handwritten notes (no books allowed), some do not allow students going out of the room to pee once the class starts among others. 

Always ask your professor of his/her preferred textbook. Ask him if he/she grants ceasefires (no recitation for the said meeting)

After introducing themselves and giving their house rules, some professors would like to know their students better so they will ask you to introduce yourself in class. You will recite your full name, undergrad course, undergrad school and hobbies.  Also be prepared to answer the question, why did you pursue the study of law.

Next is the professor will give the first assignment for next meeting. The assignment will likely include chapters to be read and the corresponding cases.

In jotting down the list of cases, it is imperative for you to listen intently. It would be better for you to sit near the professor.
The professor will say the following in succeeding order.
CASE TITLE, SCRA NUMBER, DATE OF PROMULGATION OF JUDGEMENT

Example:

Tañada v. Tuvera, 136 SCRA 27, April 24, 1985

Don't fret if you missed the case title, the most important thing for you to know is the SCRA Number.

It would be better if the professor will give you a hardcopy of the list of cases he/she will assign the entire semester.

If you have the list of cases, ask the beadle after the class to give the list to the photocopying services in the library. The person in charge of the photocopying service will be the one who will search for your cases and you will get your compiled full text of cases probably in just a couple of hours. (Pretty neat right?)

If you do not like bringing/holding piles of cases in school, you could search it online and save it to your gadget. Just make sure you have the right citations. 

Going back,

After the professor gives the assignment, he/she will likely dismiss the class. Again, stand-up as a sign of courtesy and respect.

Bear in mind that students are not allowed to leave the room until the professor leaves first. 

NOW,

What if your professor did not arrive?

I want you to take this opportunity to get to know your blocmates.

Interact with them, introduce yourself and be charming as you can possibly be. 

As a rule of thumb, never assume that the professor will not go to class when he/she is one hour late. Always ask the advice of the dean's office before going home. There will be severe consequences when the professor arrives in class and more than 30% of the class is absent. This is called "boycott" 

Before going home, bond with your blocmates by going to dinner together. Your blocmates will be your constant companions not only in the first semester but also in the 2nd semester.

The first week in law school will be ok, there will be less pressure BUT as the weeks go by, the pressure gradually increases.

You can do it! Good Luck! and remember the benedictine values of Ora Et Labora.



***PLEASE SHARE THIS POST IF YOU KNOW ANY INCOMING FIRST YEAR LAW STUDENT***

FAQs: DO I NEED TO JOIN A FRATERNITY/SORORITY IN LAW SCHOOL?

Do I need to join an organization or even fraternity/sorority in order to survive law school? 

Nope, it is not a requirement.

Hardwork, dedication, passion for learning and continuous seeking guidance from above are still the key fundamentals to survive law school

What will I gain if join these organizations/fraternities/sororities?

First, they could give you copies of the previous exams given by your professor.

Second, they could give you up-to-date review materials from time-to-time

Third, they could help you find employment once you graduate in law school or even while in law school

Fourth, they will tell you the list of "who's-who" in the legal profession which are also members of their organization. One particular fraternity is connected to our newly-elected President. 

And lastly, they will help you prepare when you are about to take the BAR examinations through BAR operations.

Is it true that I will automatically pass my subject if my professor knows that I am his fellow brod/sis in the organization?

Nope, it is not a guarantee. Remember that there are no shortcuts in order to achieve success.

Why are the fraternities/sororities are still allowed to recruit even if there are strict prohibitions and stiff penalties for joining the same? 

To be clear, most schools discourage law students to join fraternities and sororities because the means of joining the said organizations are not in-line with the mission/vision of the school. Not to mention that most prominent law schools are managed by Priests of the various Religious orders.

Now here lies the problem, most of the faculty members in the College of Law are, more often than not, fraternity/sorority members themselves. The latter may appear that they are against the recruitment but honestly, they are just doing the same to appease with the Father Rector.

A fraternity/sorority member approached me to join them, they said that they no longer require physical violence during the initiation process, is it true?

I have obtained an information from a very credible member of one Fraternity that they no longer inflict physical violence to their neophytes like paddling, punching among others. Instead, they only give the neophytes 3 whips in the body. 1st strike will be the hardest, 2nd strike will not be as hard as the first one and the 3rd and last strike will be lightest. I will not share the meaning of those 3 strikes because if I do, it will be a giveaway already.

On the flipside, some sororities claim that they don't inflict physical harm towards their recruits. One friend of mine said to me that her sorority is not really a sorority but just an organization exclusively for girls. She further added that her religious affiliation won't allow her to join if the said organization was a sorority.

So there, it might be tricky but If you really want to join, just ask permission from your parents first or at least inform them that you will join. It is the least thing you could do.

Will the activities of the organization affect my studies?

Yup, in one way or another. However, the thing about having affiliation in law school is that there activities are mostly likely scheduled after the exam week. So it will have minimal effect on your studies not unless you are an officer of the said organization.

The busiest time for each organization in law school will be the BAR month. It will be a major challenge to manage time, especially if the Final examinations are scheduled during the same month as the BAR exams.

At the end of the day, it will ultimately be your decision to make whether you would like to join the aforementioned organizations or not.

***PLEASE SHARE THIS POST IF YOU KNOW ANY INCOMING FIRST YEAR LAW STUDENT***

A FRESHMAN LAW STUDENT STARTER PACK

I assume all the results of the Law Entrance Exams are in and various Law Schools would open its gates to accommodate the upcoming freshman law students.

The aim of this post is to help these aspiring lawyers prepare for the grueling task at hand and that is to conquer Law School.

These are some of the essentials

CODALS

These are hardbound notebooks which has titles such as

• The 1987 Constitution
• The Revised Penal Code
• The Civil Code
• Commercial Law Vol. I, II, III
• Labor Code 
• Rules of Court
• National Internal Revenue Code

For upcoming freshman law students, they would only need the first 3 codals.

The 1987 Constitution is for Constitutional Law 1 and 2

The Revised Penal Code is for Criminal Law 1 and 2

The Civil Code is for Persons and Family Relations and Obligations and Contract

*** The Rules of Court Codal may also be added because it contains in its Annex the Canons of Professional Responsibility (for Legal Ethics)

The abovementioned codals are very essential because no matter who your law professor would be, the prescribed codals will always be the same unlike Annotated textbooks.

To give an example, for the subject of Obligations and Contracts, some professors, let's just say prefer Justice Jurado, while some professors prefer Justice Paras. While others even prescribe Tolentino, Pineda among others. The law books differ in annotation because the authors have different interpretations of the law. The same is true for law professors. Some of them are comfortable taking the view of Jurado while others are not (vice versa)

***For the pricelist of the codals check my post regarding REX bookstore pricelist

HIGHLIGHTERS/WRITING INSTRUMENTS

Get at least 3-4 different colors for highlighters. One of my professor offered me the reason for the number of colors. 

• Use one color for the General Rule;
• Use one color for the exemption to the General Rule; 
• Use one color for the title/heading; and
• Use one color for the exemption to the exemption

My law professor said, if you practice this, you would automatically know from the moment you open your book or codal that the highlighted text is the general rule or the exemption. 

To tell you honestly, I never get to do this because I was already in my 3rd year when I became a student under the said law professor.

I also included writing instruments because some friends of mine do not use highlighters but instead they use pencils. 

Ballpens are still essential in Law School. These are used for case digests, exams, quizzes among others. So if you have a preferred ballpen back in HS or College, use the brand that makes you feel comfortable.

NOTEBOOK AND YELLOW PAD PAPER

If you are the type who remembers or understands the lessons better if you write your own notes, then you should buy notebooks per subject matter. This will make you improve your handwriting because you get to practice your handwriting strokes regularly. 

The drawback with this kind of method is that it is time-consuming. Sometimes you get to swamped with case digest deadlines, tons and tons of cases to be read, not to mentions the chapters of the textbooks which are also required to be read, that writing your own notes is just not feasible. But if you have the time to do it, why not.

The yellow pad paper is for the quizzes or case digest which are about passed in case your professor decide not to attend class. Better be armed with your own yellow pad rather than ask around begging for it. I am not saying it is bad to beg for paper. What I am trying to say is that it is better to be independent and having that piece of mind that you are ready in case the need for the yellow paper arises

GADGETS

I am sorry that this might be burdensome to some but the fact is we cannot avoid technology.  I am not discriminating those students who cannot afford to buy gadgets.

Gadgets are really helpful in law school. Imagine, instead of carrying bulk of photocopy of Supreme Court Decisions, such cases are stored in that tablet, phablet, or iPad of yours.

The Gadgets can store apps such as Merriam-Webster Dictionary, LawJuan, Law Dictionary among others. This will not insure passing your subject in law school but if used the right way, it could be a really big help.

Gadgets include laptops. If you could afford to buy a lightweight, fast and efficient laptop. It could be a tremendous help in doing essays and pleadings in the future. You might also be inspired to do a blog like mine to help other fellow law students.


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