DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Silliman University College of Law celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, recognizing 18 graduates whose years of academic dedication culminated in comprehensive legal research addressing contemporary issues in Philippine and international law.
The graduating class presented diverse thesis works that demonstrate both academic rigor and social relevance, tackling pressing legal concerns from human rights and governance to emerging digital and labor issues.
University officials noted that the body of work produced by the Class of 2026 highlights the graduates' readiness to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession as they prepare for bar examinations and eventual entry into legal practice.
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Research Addresses Contemporary Legal Challenges
The graduating students completed thesis works that span multiple areas of law, reflecting current social and legal challenges facing the Philippines and the international community.
Annievin Aniego Hawk focused on gender equality in criminal law with her research titled "Closing the Gap: Ensuring Justice for Men While Preserving Women's Protection Under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code," addressing balance in legal protections.
Christian Iñigo Brodeth examined political legitimacy through "The Will to Power: Analyzing the Recognition and Legitimacy of Violent De Facto Regimes," while Edan Sam Gesulgon Pancho explored citizenship rights in "Balancing of Interests Between the State and Individual in Deprivation of Nationality Under International Law."
Eugene dela Serna Roxas addressed family law reform in "Time is Not of the Essence: Lifting the Prescriptive Periods for Establishing Filiation Through DNA Evidence and Other Scientific Evidence of Equivalent or Greater Probative Value."
Government Accountability and Constitutional Law Studies
Several graduates focused their research on government oversight and constitutional principles. Francis Lianro Hinsoy Bulado examined legislative powers in "In Aid of Legislation or Prosecution: A Legal Analysis of the Sub Judice Rule as a Limitation on Congressional Investigations."
Jehedaiah Ariate Minguito tackled government transparency with "Secrecy and Scrutiny: A Legal Examination of Confidential Fund Allocation and Accountability for Non-Military and Non-Intelligence Agencies in the Philippines' National Government."
Franciene Khlyr Labrador Nacua concentrated on family law through "Advocating for a Child-Centric Approach to Custody Cases Involving Children Below the Age of Seven," addressing child welfare in legal proceedings.
International Law and Human Rights Focus
International law garnered significant attention among the graduates. Ikhtaz Maya Cortes Polestico examined genocide law through "Reasonableness as a Path to State Responsibility: Proving Genocidal Intent in the Rohingya Case Under the Genocide Convention."
Irish Jean Torillo Labis explored intellectual property rights in "Behind the Scene: Harmonizing Employment and Intellectual Property Rights in the Creative Industry," addressing modern workplace challenges.
Ivan Gunnar Borromeo Elum studied victim compensation through "Quantifying a Stolen Life: A Legal Study on the Applicability of R.A. 7309 in the Present Time."
Criminal Justice and Digital Age Legal Issues
The class addressed evolving criminal justice concerns. Jasmin Grace Alcuizar Abcede focused on victim protection with "Proposed Rules on the Conduct of Live-Link Television for Women Survivors of Sexual Crimes in Lieu of Face-to-Face Testimony."
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Micah Ilaga Gallardo examined cybercrime through "The Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Act: Presumption of Authorship on Digital Forgery," addressing legal challenges in the digital age.
Margaret Frendi Dales Ochoco researched prisoner rights in "Unclaimed but Protected: A Legal Analysis on Written Directives Executed by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) Objecting to the Use of Their Unclaimed Remains for Medical Studies and Research."
Professional Liability and Labor Law Research
Healthcare and labor law received attention from several graduates. McLeone Cortes Fontelo examined medical professional responsibility through "A Legal Analysis: Liabilities of Medical Technologists in Cases of Disease Transmission Resulting from Blood Transfusion."
Princess Noriedelle Bohos Obeso addressed child protection in "Monetized Exploitation: Labor Issues of Child Influencers in the Philippines," examining emerging concerns about minors in digital media.
Stephanie Tabaloc Tumulak focused on economic development through "Legal Barriers in Micro-Entrepreneurship: A Critical Analysis of Access to Finance in the Philippines."
Religious Freedom and Employment Law Studies
Patricia Calano Bonto examined the intersection of religious freedom and legal remedies in "The Interplay of Cults and Consent: Balancing Religious Freedom with Legal Remedies for Brainwashed Victims."
Venz Samuel Melodia concluded the class research with "A Case for Employment At-Will: Possible Alternative Approach to Employment Termination in Philippine MSMEs," addressing small business employment practices.
University Expresses Confidence in Graduate Preparedness
According to university officials, the comprehensive research demonstrates the graduates' understanding of contemporary legal challenges and their preparation for professional legal practice.
The university expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to uphold justice, integrity, and service to the Filipino people as they transition from academic study to professional practice.
The Class of 2026 now prepares for the Philippine bar examinations, the final step before entering legal practice. Their diverse research portfolio reflects the breadth of legal expertise developed during their years at Silliman University College of Law.
The graduation milestone represents years of discipline, sacrifice, and academic persistence in legal studies, according to the university statement. The graduates carry forward the analytical skills and legal knowledge that brought them to this achievement as they prepare for the next phase of their legal careers.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Silliman University
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