ACLAS - Alliance of Concerned Law Students

Alliance of Concerned Law Students

Established 1993

Tested by Time, Taught by Experience.
Only one goal - STUDENT SERVICE at its BEST.

Objectives:


1. Unity in Diversity. The ACLAS believes that the Institute of Law of the Far Eastern University is a representative section of the Philippines, a microcosm of our society. As such, we reach out to the various persons, groups, affiliations, and organizations, in the Institute to foster harmonious relations with all students.

2. More than Adequate Representation. The Student Council should, first and foremost, be the voice of the students. As a Party, we believe in the truthful representation of the students’ concerns and grievances to the proper authorities – to fight no matter what and to face the consequences of our stands.

3. Freedom and Justice for all. The ACLAS’ main and foremost concern is the propagation of a free and just administration in the Institute of Law, either by the school administrators or the student leaders.

4. A Tradition of Quality Service. The ACLAS has been the hallmark of student oriented services. Ever since the party was established and countless student leaders have graced the party’s line-up, our projects have been hailed as exemplars of good student practices.

5. Truthful and Honest Administration. The ACLAS believes in the accountability of its chosen leaders. As such, we have been successful in keeping our role as stewards of the students’ trust.


Platforms:


1. Amendment of the Institute of Law Student Council Constitution
Amendment of the provisions limiting student participation in the electoral processes.

2. Institutionalization of the Commission on Elections and the Political Party System
Creation of a Fixed-term Commission on Elections in accordance with University Rules, creation of the COMELEC Rules of Procedure and the Institutionalization of the Political Party System in the Student Council Elections.

3. Pro-active support for the activities of the Central Bar Operations, Legal Rights Center, Far Eastern Law Review and the Moot Court Council
A more positive support for the Institutional Organizations of the Institute, i.e. financial, material and manpower support.

4. Creation of a Student Grievance Committee
The creation of this committee aims to provide an institutionalized venue for the redress of student grievances and look towards the resolution of the problems in a manner that is harmonious and acceptable to all concerned.

5. Continuation of the Law Student Newsletter under a revitalized and independent Editorial System
The Legal Advocate shall become an independent and institutional organization in the Institute of Law in order to foster higher ethical standards for the journalists who shall join its fold.

6. Institutional Celebration of the Law Week
The Law Week Celebration shall become an institutional event that shall mark the establishment of the Institute of Law. During the Law Week, student achievements shall be highlighted and awarded.

7. Institute Intramurals
Sports activities shall become a cornerstone agenda of the ACLAS. Mens sana in corpore sano. Competitive sports tournaments shall be held during the 1st and 2nd Semesters, in order to promote sports activities to all law students. We shall likewise bat for higher subsidies for participants in the Conflicts of Law.

8. Outreach Programs
The Outreach program is an integral part of the party objectives, which aims to help our less fortunate brothers, staying true to our Tamaraw traditions, and causing the development of our society in whatever small measure we may take.

9. Legal and Leadership Training Programs, Forums and Seminars
As law students, legal trainings are essential in our extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, if we can still manage our time. Legal Forums and Seminars should be conducted as much as possible because the Institute of Law is a respected member of the University, upon whom the rest of the studentry reposes their trust.

10. System-wide reform in the Enrollment Process
Problems in the Enrollment process have been the worse issue being raised by students year after year. We shall endeavor to try a new system-wide approach at the enrollment system in the upcoming Summer Enrollment.

11. Voice of the Students
We can never truly define the functions of the Student Council. The functions of the Council are defined by the needs of the students and our needs are overly changing. Just like our government, which cannot act properly if the citizens will not let their voices be heard, the Student Council cannot address your needs if you, the students, do not let us know your needs.

It is wrong to say that the Student Council is working for you. We aim to work with you, our fellow law students. It is with your cooperation that we will truly realize our goals. We are your ears. We are your guide. Never hesitate to voice out your concerns. We are your representatives, and it is our duty to make sure that you are represented.


This area is for students’ voices. We shall represent your voices; we shall promote your interest. You will be our first priority. We shall stand by you although out. We will do it, without promising. We will act on it, without speaking. We will make our stand; together we shall make a difference. Make yourselves heard. We shall make sure that it will reach the highest pinnacle of powers. We shall make it happen. ACLAS – Alliance of Concerned Law Students. All of us are concerned law students, ALL OF US ARE ACLAS!

Resignation as 2nd Year Batch Representative

Far Eastern University

Sampaloc, Manila

INSTITUTE OF LAW STUDENT COUNCIL

13 October 2008

JOHN PHILIP ONG CABUGAO

President

Institute of Law Student Council

A.Y. 2008 - 2009

Dear President Cabugao,

Good day!

In accordance with the provisions of the Institute of Law Student Council Constitution, I am tendering my resignation as 2nd Year Batch Representative for the Academic Year 2008-2009, effective immediately.

As you may have already been aware of my reason, I am taking a six (6) months leave of absence from law school to be with my family in the United Kingdom (Application for Leave of Absence attached herewith). It has been almost four (4) years since I last saw them and I would like to take this chance to spend Christmas with my family, as well as take a break from law school. I have weighed the advantages and disadvantages of my decision, and it is with a heavy heart, but with a firm resolve, that I am voluntarily surrendering my elected mandate to serve and represent my batchmates in the Student Council. I would not have wanted to fail those who trusted me, but I sincerely hope that during my short stint as an official of the student body, I have helped them in whatever capacity I could. 

On a personal note, I am very much privileged to have served the student council with a dynamic team under your able leadership. Parvum in parvo! I hope that you continue to endeavor programs and projects that are beneficial to the law studentry. You can expect my batch to be supportive of your plans always.

Again, my sincerest thanks and God speed to you. Please extend my gratitude to Janine, Jimmy, Jayd, Pepe, Ecoy, Chelle and Charlie.

Truly yours,

(Sgd.)

IAN DELA CRUZ ENCARNACION

Outgoing 2nd Year Batch Representative

Institute of Law Student Council

1st Semester, A.Y. 2008 - 2009

cc: 

1. IL Dean's Office
2. Class Beadles, LLB4201, LLB4202, LLB4203
3. File

Today, I Stood!

Today, I stood for the Truth. My voice was counted again from the millions of Filipinos demanding the accountability of our leaders – to make sure that public money goes to where it should go, and not to the pockets of corrupt politicians. I stood to be heard that the youth are not apathetic, that we are not mere bystanders but active agents of change in our country’s history. I stood for reform. I stood for our future.

I was in Ayala Avenue rally today. Being the 29th of February, this rally is very significant for me, not only because of leap year, but because of several factors. What’s new with that, some would say. First, I was on top of stage. That’s new. I spoke in front of almost 100,000 people compressed in a venue as large as the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. Second, it is the largest rally ever registered against the regime of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Third, I am now really in the list of the NBI, the National Security Council, the ISAFP, and perhaps in the military’s OB. But I am not afraid! If you are with the truth, why should you be afraid? It is the government that should tremble as the people are growing weary of the conjugal plunder of the Arroyos. Even government employees are silently angry of the First Family.

There will come a time when the bottle is full. I hope that when that time comes, the phony President and her men are ready,b ecause no amount of suppression can resist the strong force of the wave of the Filipinos clamoring for change. And if that comes, trust me, I shall be in front of it!

For more of the story, read newspapers, and related blogs.

GLORIA RESIGN!

On having an Official Stand by the FEU-IL regarding the NBN-ZTE Controversy

Four (4) law schools have made their stand, namely: University of the Philippines College of Law, the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, the San Beda College of Law, and the University of the East College of Law. Now, where is that law school in Morayta?

Established in 1934, the Far Eastern University Institute of Law boasts to be one of the pedigreed law schools in the Philippines, being the cradle where two other law schools sprang. Since its inception, thousands of students passed through its halls to become legal practitioners. Various legal luminaries, from bar topnotchers to justices, owe their education to this institution. Whether in public or private practice, its alumni populate the profession in various capacities.

In the 1970s, the institute had its share in the molding of social consciousness, as some law students joined in the rallies against the Marcos regime, and much later, against the Martial Law guised under the form constitutional authoritarianism. In the First People Power, the FEU-IL was again at the forefront of the fight for the sovereign peoples’ rights. Countless persons, most of them nameless, linked arms to protest the acts of an overstaying dictator. Tama Na! Sobra Na! Palitan Na! That was the call. In 2001, the immoral administration of Erap Estrada was again the subject of people power. Jueteng payoffs, pocketing of the excise taxes, maintaining a fictitious bank account and high level corruption were among the charges. In the back of it all, the FEU-IL remains an active vanguard of the rights of the people. Tama Na! Sobra Na! Palitan Na! Still, that was the call.

Now, this country is again faced with levels of corruption unimaginable, probably in the same degree as the ousted dictator Marcos. This regime has pocketed millions, if not billions, of Juan dela Cruz’s hard earned pesos. The few benefits the lions share and the spoils are given to their cohorts; all of these while the common man wallow in hunger and poverty. The oligarchs in government maintain power by propagating mendicancy, laying the seeds for patronage. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened. We are back in the situation before Marcos came to power in the 1960s.

The people are clamoring for change; for genuine change. But how do we go about change, without letting the power pass on from one oligarch to another? Everyone is making known their stand. But in the milieu, where is that of the Far Eastern University, more specifically, that of the Institute of Law? When are we going to speak? When are we to make a stand?

This is a call to arms! Not in the literal sense of the word. But rather, this is a call to action! Law students must make their voices heard whenever question of rules need to be clarified. But more importantly, as scholars of law, we must make a definite stand when a law is violated, when the truth is suppressed, and when the right of the people is trampled. This administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s wanton disregard of the law, calls for our condemnation.

We must put an end to this infringement! It must all stop! The battle cry: TAMA NA! SOBRA NA! KUMILOS NA! Let us all act now! We must make our stand on this issue known. For truth, accountability and reform, the FEU-IL must act NOW!

Starting the Case Book and Notes Bank (CB/NB) Project

Check out the link above, it is the Notes Bank Blog, maintained by the students of Arellano University School of Law (AUSL). It is not attributable to any fraternity, organization or the like, as averred by the web blog. As part of the ACLAS platform of government, starting a Case Book and Notes Bank Project is one of our priority agenda. It is cornered on the objective of helping fellow students with their study of law. A Case Book provides a source of digests that help students when they are given a lot of cases to read. A Notes Bank, on the other hand, provides a well of worthy class notes regarding professors of law in FEU.

We do not wish to replace the tried and tested manner of studying law, i.e. read, read and read. There can never be a short cut in our study of law. What we wish however, is to help fellow students start the habit of patiently reading the lessons and cases, and persevere in studying the law. Nothing can compensate for such mode of learning. All that we desire is to make our study of law worthwhile, and if possible, fun.

Taking the Power Back

True enough, nothing can stop a strong heart. On Valentines Day, with some stroke of political luck, the Alliance of Concerned Law Students (ACLAS) retook the Student Council presidency back from the hands of our political opponents in the Far Eastern University – Institute of Law., the Students’ Cause Reform Agenda (SCRA). However, victory is bitter sweet, as only Philip Cabugao and I, from ACLAS, won in the SC elections last February 14. Well, paraphrasing Neil Armstrong, “that’s one small step for us, but one giant leap for the party.”

It has been 3 years since ACLAS cornered the presidency, and 4 years since we captured majority of the seats in the SC. In those years, the party has been in the back seat of campus politics in FEU-IL. In those years, the party has relegated to a measly position, letting the SCRA to monopolize power and dismally lead the law students. Basic services by the school were left to deteriorate; student activities aimed at boosting intellectual pursuits were sidetracked; and the Institute’s populace was left without tough leaders. Yes, SCRA won the student council elections in the past because of the students’ support, but we lost a strong voice that would weather any storm just to air our sentiments to the administration.

Our vice-presidential candidate Benedict Pichay explained what ACLAS was about. He traced the etymology of the party to the Filipino word “aklas” meaning to revolt, to break free, to change. The party is about change. It is revolting against the present system, breaking free from the bondage that currently enslaves the studentry, and aiming for change in the ruthless cycle of student apathy. Pichay added that aklas necessitates a joint action, emphasizing pag-aaklas as the product of our communal action. The party, together with the students, requires active collaboration in order to achieve our ends and goals.

ACLAS won by retaking the power from SCRA, but victory would be complete if we give back the power with whom it ultimately lays – with the students. With a re-energized program of government, the student council shall truly be the students’ council, rather than just being a mere figure head. We shall not fail our voters. Philip and I shall work together to in order that students’ needs are met, and the students’ wants are satisfied. This year shall be the foundation of a revitalized party – a party grounded on the principle of pag-aaklas.

On Winning and Serving

As I start my very first entry in this blog, I come to realize that I am already about to finish a year in law school. Never did I realize that I am a three (3) years away from my objective of graduating as a law student, hurdling the bar examinations with flying colors, and achieving the status I have always dreamed of becoming - a lawyer. But before everything else, I must first overcome this inclination of mine as of the moment - to sleep and not finish this blog.

Yesterday, Brod Ice filed, on my behalf, my Certificate of Candidacy to run in the upcoming FEU Law Student Council Elections for the political party. I don't know if it is a good idea, having lost my fight just last June to my future Sis Candice to represent my batch. It's not that I am having second thoughts of running again, but rising from my very first defeat in "any election contest" is an achievement from a proud individual such as I, coming from a political family.

Ever since I have been elected as student council president, with one of the highest margins, during my high school days at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, campus politics have always been at the forefront of my agenda. Up till now, I still savor the sweet pride of having founded a grandslam political party, together with my classmates, during our college days in the Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila. This is the reason that losing can never be the option. Not because I have been used to winning, but not having to represent your deepest aspirations to serve your fellow students is like following your dreams, only to wake up, that it still is a dream.

Fernando Poe, Jr. once said "Huwag nating alisan ng pag-asa ang mahihirap, dahil baka iyon na lamang ang naiiwan pa sa kanya." Ever since I heard the would-be President said that, I have always wanted to serve others, not because of the power, nor of the reputation. All things come second to the greatest aspiration to find the silent whisper a person speaks when he is alone, to seek the deepest yearnings of an individual, the prayer he says only to God. Serving others never is a privilege, it is an obligation given by human conscience to change the world.

That is why, this afternoon, Partido ACLAS, my political party for this contest agreed in principle, we'll rock and take the FEU Law School by storm.