The University of Negros Occidental –Recoletos School of Law celebrated its annual tradition of the Barristers Night at SMX Convention Center, March 2, 2018 with the theme: “Our Rights, Our Waters: preserving Victory in the West Philippine Sea for Future Generations of Filipinos.” It was spearheaded by the Barristers Club, the official student council organization of the School of Law. Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, was the keynote speaker. He discussed the Philippine dispute in the West Philippine Sea and the protection of our country’s marine resource. The talk aimed to serve as a good platform to educate the next generations of the importance of fighting for our sovereign rights. “We have to look at this at a very long term objective. Dean Villasor, also reinforced Carpio’s statement about coalition with our allies to get support in securing that laws of the seas should be upheld ad resected at all times. The Dean also compared it to a David-Goliath story but believed that Philippines can win it by diplomatic channels. After the lecture, Dean Villasor proposed a toast for the candidates for graduation and initiated the introduction of the new UNO-Rian lawyers. The Barristers Night was attended by Judges and members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and more than 300 law students wearing their most stunning creative black formal wear that complimented the classic native Filipino ambiance of the venue. (Charity de la Vega, Law 1)
Meanwhile , Chief Justice of the Philippines, the honorable Maria Lourdes Sereno was in UNO-R, March 13, 2018. She spoke to more than a thousand faculty, students, members of media and guests at the university gym. Her topic was about Judicial reforms in the Philippines, Upholding the Rule of Law. CJ Sereno was welcomed by the Father President with the Dean of the School of Law; the HRMDO Associate Director, Dr. Carmenda Leonoras; Director of External Affairs , Dr. Carlos Eduardo Legaspi, Jr.; and Barristers’ Club President Sherwin Dalisay. The Chief Justice reminded everyone to always stand on their rights and always uphold the rule of Law. The conversation with the Chief Justice began at 10:00 am and ended past 12 noon. Fr. President gave his welcome message by saying that “it is not ordinary to be with the Chief Justice…” Mrs. Ma. Judy B. Legaspi was the emcee and moderator for this conversation with the Chief Justice.