1. Atty. Francesca Lourdes M.
Senga
“Atty. Senga”
Subjects taught: Persons and Family Relations (1st year, 1st Sem), xxx
On recitations:
She employs the traditional Socratic Method. Ensure that all the codal provisions are not
only memorized, but more importantly, as in all other subjects, comprehended as she
likes to “toy around” with those provisions. She is good in formulating hypothetical-
borderline-impossible scenarios which can be answered only by a strong comprehension
of the provisions.
Very meticulous and keen with the words that the student uses, ergo be careful with the
words to employ as they can be used aggressively against you. She is not a fan of
hifalutin words UNLESS YOU CAN BACK THOSE WORDS UP.
It goes without saying that when asked about a case, give only the gist/summary and
NEVER delve on the other issues that are irrelevant. Not very particular with details (e.g.
car color) except for Chi Ming Tsoi’s penis size.
When asked to illustrate a codal provision or expound a doctrine, the best example is
always jurisprudence. Cite an assigned case.
When caught off-guard during recitations, say anything relevant. When a case that
you’ve not read has been asked, formulate generic facts (e.g. if the topic is nullity,
mention “A has been married to B, had a child, procured nullity because of psych
incapacity, etc). With Atty. Senga, it is better to say something than nothing at all. Even
if what you’ve said is downright laughable as long as it is relevant.
Does not call absentees in recitations. Strategize the use of your allowed absences.
A “rounder”. That is, she calls all students before starting another “round” of recitation.
In effect, you would not be called again until all of the students in her class have recited.
“Clean desk policy”
Be dapper in appearance. Dress good to sway her cranky mood.
On Examinations:
The bulk of her questions are hypothetical scenarios, some scenarios whose facts are virtually
identical with assigned cases, and other questions asked during recitations.
2. Atty. Laurie Pe
“Atty. Pe”
Subjects taught: Statutory Construction (1st year, 1st sem), xxx
On recitations:
Nothing tricky when it comes to her recitations. In StatCon, memorize the definition of
Statutory Construction (obviously!) and the process as to how a bill is enacted as she will
ask these two repetitively over the course of the subject.
Read the full text of the assigned cases as she sometimes asks about the small details.
Does not call absentees but be prepared to be the first one to be called after being
absent previously. A “rounder” like Atty. Senga.
Be dapper in appearance. Dress good to sway her cranky mood.
On examinations:
The bulk of her exam questions revolve around doctrines, definitions, legal maxims, and
assigned cases. In exam questions regarding cases, be very keen with every word as she alters it
in such a way that the answer to the question would be different from the decided case.
3. Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada
“Justice Ponfe”, “Ponfe”
Subjects taught: Criminal Law I (1st year, 1st sem), xxx
On recitations:
Nothing tricky when it comes to recitations
Codal provisions may be recited in a non-verbatim manner but a verbatim one merits a
good standing. Bottom-line is, memorize the provisions word for word as much as you
can
Grammar conscious.
Randomly calls students and is not a rounder.
No cases assigned
Heavily relies on Reyes’ Criminal Law Books
On examinations:
The questions consist mainly of doctrines and enumerations which can be found in various
Samplex (Sample examinations). Make sure to review not only the samplex for the preceding
academic year but also the other samplex from 3-4 years ago as he likes to recycle and jumble
the questions (e.g. a question asked for the academic year 2013, another one from 2014, and so
on and so forth can be combined to form his new examination). Chances are, only one or two
items will be purely hypothetical.
4. Atty. Rochelle Dakanay-Galano
“Atty. Dakanay”
Subjects taught: Constitutional Law I (1st year, 1st sem), xxx
On recitations:
She is an “impressionist”, that is if you have made a reputation for blunders in
recitations, chances are your grade ceiling will be very low notwithstanding an excellent
answer. Make a good impression by having a grandiose first recitation. Needless to say,
be consistent in all her recitations so as to foment a formidable reputation.
Unlike other professors who prefer straight answers, she appreciates when a student
expounds on the subject at hand. But not too much, of course.
Case heavy
Calls absentees. Her manner in calling students in recitations is based on the block’s
seating arrangement, which is sorted alphabetically. So the only thing that will be
random is the row the she will be calling.
There will be times that she will be absent in class. And every time that she is absent, a
quiz is given. The quiz revolves around doctrines and case digests of assigned cases.
Take the quiz seriously.
Rumor has it that she grades students randomly. Another part of the rumor mill tells
that she grades a student based on the collective performance of the block. Whichever
is the case, MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION.
Requires written case digests at the end of the sem.
Also, rumor has it that she is gender biased, that is she gives higher grades to male
students. Ergo, dress hot to hit the jackpot.
On examinations:
The questions will be all about the doctrines in the cases assigned. She will give you
facts which are virtually identical with the assigned cases. Employ stare decisis to answer those
questions.
5. Atty. Paul Sagayo Jr.
“Atty. Sagayo”
Subjects taught: Obligations and Contracts (1st year, 2nd sem), xxx
On recitations:
Like Atty. Dakanay, he is also an “impressionist”.
In most days, the recitation will revolve merely on the plain recitation of the codal
provisions, no more, no less.
When he assigns cases, make sure to be very particular with details (e.g. car color,
object of the contract, name of the contract, amount of the consideration).
He rarely asks purely hypothetical questions.
Rounder
On examinations:
The examination is composed of enumeration and case digests.
6. Prosecutor Victoria Garcia
“Prosec. Garcia”
Subjects taught: Criminal Law I & II
On recitations:
Very hard to please! According to her, in order to obtain the highest grade, you must
exactly recite what is in her mind!
Codal provisions and elements of felonies MUST BE recited in verbatim and in order.
With regard to cases, be very particular with small details, contention of the parties,
decision and reason behind the decision of the lower courts, and of course, SC’s
decision. Basically, the case is going to be dissected and not merely digested.
She likes hypotheticals. Some hypotheticals however can be found in what is dubbed as
“Prosec notes”. No matter how doubtful the answers are in these notes, no matter how
conflicting these are with Reyes’ Criminal Law book, stick with what’s in the “Prosec
Notes” for recitation’s sake.
Answer straight and directly and answer only what is being asked. Do not beat around
the bush as this is one of her pet peeves.
A fast-paced rounder. In a 2-hour class, the recitation could reach up to 3 rounds. Read
in advance.
Calls absentees.
Rarely, if not never, absent.
On examinations:
Majority of the exam questions are exactly what are given in the previous bar
examinations. Scour the bar review criminal law questions. Few questions are purely
hypothetical.
7. Atty. Adrian Aumentado
“Atty. Adi”, “Adi”
Subjects taught: Crim1 & Constitutional Law II
On recitations:
“Impressionist”
Prefers codal provisions to be recited in verbatim.
Case heavy
When asked about cases, give the digest.
Likes to compare and contrast cases with each other.
Sometimes, he interrupts students in recitations with misleading information. Do not
buy it obviously.
Asks a lot of hypotheticals, some of which are unsettled judicially, therefore, argue your
stance very well since there is no right or wrong answer in these types of questions.
Rounder. Does not call absentees.
Gives relatively higher grades to volunteers.
Very keen with the words that the student uses.
In Consti 2, memorize the “social justice” doctrine as this will be asked repetitively.
Requires written case digests at the end of the semester
Dress low-key. Avoid clothes with long sleeves.
On examinations:
The questions are a mixture of cases, bar questions, and the questions asked during recitations.
Write legibly as he gives demerits to those whose penmanship is illegible.
8. Atty. Darniel Bustamante
“Atty. Bustamante”
Subjects taught: Basic Legal Ethics (1st year, 2nd sem), xxx
On recitations:
Prefers the rules and canons in the CPR to be recited in verbatim.
Asks a lot of hypotheticals.
Be very particular with the small details in cases.
Rounder
Does not call absentees.
Requires written case digests at the end of the semester
On examinations:
The exam questions are comprised of cases and hypotheticals.
9. Attorney Remigio Mora
“Attorney Mora”
Subjects taught: Legal Writing/ Statutory Construction
On recitations:
Rounder
Case based recitations, make sure you remember some pertinent details about the facts
of the case in order to make sure that you’ve actually read the full text.
Very bookish in Statutory Construction (bases his questions on cases and Agpalo’s book)
Memorize the latin maxims and their meanings.
Very generous to students who volunteer for recitations when he asks for volunteers
On examinations
Mixed type objective/case based
30% objective type
60% case based (the cases he picks for his exams are cases encountered in higher years
ie: evidence, crimpro which applied statutory construction)
10% purely hypothetical (personally formulated by him)
10. Attorney Gallant Soriano
“Attorney Gallant”
Subjects taught: Statutory Construction, Constitutional Law I, Constitutional Law II
On recitations:
Calls a student only once or twice in every semester. Make your recitation count.
Focuses on cases, read the full text because he asks pertinent details about the case that
can rarely be seen in the digest
Correlates the facts of the case with the circumstances of the historical period to which
it occurred. (EG: in Javellana v Executive Secretary, he also discusses the situation of
Martial Law during the time).
He prefers to see his students looking dapper in formal attire.
On examinations:
Most of the hypothetical questions he uses require basic concepts applied in the cases
provided for. Therefore, read the facts of the cases as some of his hypothetical
questions arise from the same or relevant facts.
He gives out enumerations in exams, make sure you memorize the enumerations
provided for in his lessons.
Multiple choices are right minus wrong.
In most of his exams, he gives a bonus item. Do not leave the bonus item blank, instead,
write a thank you note for him or a happy birthday.
Read the instructions carefully. Use only black fountain pen
11. Prosecutor Jennifer Cahig
“Prosec Cahig”
Subject: Legal Research/Criminal Law I and II
On Recitations:
Rounder type recitations, but does not finish the class on one sitting.
Focuses on the concepts of Criminal Law and may even ask for cases.
She likes to cram lessons due to her frequent absences. Make sure to read in advance so
as to catch up for all those lost meetings.
On Examinations:
Hypothetical questions are usually based from the cases she provides.
She may also draw her questions from enumerations provided for by the law.
12. Attorney Ryan Mercader
“Attorney Mercader”
Subjects taught: Criminal Law I and II
On Recitations:
Rounder who can finish one whole round by the end of the class.
Asks a lot of hypotheticals that requires a deep understanding of the Revised Penal
Code’s provisions as well as Special Penal Laws.
Very comprehensive, may ask about Criminal Law I questions
Focus on three things during Criminal Law 2: Acts punished, Who are liable and the
elements of the crime. His objective recitations mostly revolve around those.
Does not dwell much on cases.
On Examinations:
All questions are hypothetical scenarios
Subquestions may ask for elements of a certain crime.
Analyze the question properly. Sometimes the crime may present itself as a different
one due to the lack of one element or the presence of another.
13. Associate Solicitor Jose Angelo David
“Attorney Anjo, Attorney David”
Subjects taught: Constitutional I and II
On Recitations:
A debater by skill and by craft, he challenges students to defend their answers which
requires a deep analysis of the reason of the law and may also require other concepts
outside Consti 2.
His recitations revolve much around the concepts of Consti 2. As for cases, he focuses
mostly on the doctrine of the case asked for more than the facts itself.
Assigns a heavy bulk of cases and can give a grade as low as 72 and as high as 98.
Familiarize the requisites and memorize the tests used in jurisprudence.
His hypothetical questions are more practical. That is to say, he lets you play the role of
an attorney/judge/solicitor in order to see how well you can apply what you studied in
real life applications.
On Examinations:
His examinations are mostly hypothetical and like his recitations, he dwells on the
practical side of the law which calls for questions on how you, as an
attorney/judge/solicitor would rule on certain problems.
He is very strict when it comes to format, apply the ALAC format because he gives merit
to those who do.
On the objective side, he gives questions on differentiation and True or False.
His True or False questions demand a legal basis and is right minus wrong.
14. Judge Andres Soriano
“Judge Soriano”
Subjects taught: Obligations and Contracts
On Recitations:
Not much on recitations, Judge Soriano likes to discuss the provisions of the Civil Code.
Only gives out recitations on the first few meetings of midterms, but do not take him
lightly, his subject is a requisite for second year subjects and can give you a hard time if
you don’t have a good foundation.
His hypotheticals are basic applications of Obligations and Contracts.
He focuses on the elements and exceptions of obligations and contracts
On Examinations:
His questions are mainly revolved around definition, elements, examples and
exceptions.
He may also ask to differentiate some items.
Gives out long quizzes to make up for the lack of recitations he gives.
15. Justice Ma. Theresa Arcega
Subjects taught: Basic Legal Ethics
On Recitations:
Rounder; but does not finish the whole class in one sitting.
Justice Arcega relates the Canons of Legal Ethics in real life settings which makes the
class a little bit more colorful.
Study the cases provided for and memorize in verbatim the Canons of the Code of
Professional Responsibility.
Memorize the terms she gave as an assignment in the beginning of the class as these
terms will show themselves up throughout the semester.
Come to class in formal attire. Preferably with suit and tie/barong for males and
corporate for female.
On Examinations:
Her examinations are mainly focused on hypothetical situations where you have to find
out which Code was violated.
Memorize the exceptions and enumerations in the Code of Professional Responsibility
as they are expected to pop up.
She gives out pop quizzes every once in a while so that the class can also participate
even if they are not on deck.
16. Atty. Efren Dizon
Subjects taught: Persons and Family Relations, Obligations and Contracts, Insurance
On Recitations:
Rounder; calls all students before starting another round.
Each student will be called only once or twice per grading period. Make your recitation count.
Impressionist. Will ask students to either sing, dance or tell a joke before asking questions. Make
sure to give a good impression while performing any of those.
Focuses more on the application of the law rather than memorization. Will ask hypothetical
questions with facts that are not related to the topic to confuse students.
When answering, keep it short and direct to the point. When defending your answer, do it
respectfully as to avoid giving a bad impression.
Dress low-key. Avoid wearing very formal clothing.
On Examinations:
Exams are very long with one question often occupying almost an entire page. Budget your time
wisely.
Like in recitations, he will give many facts that are not related to the question. As much as
possible, identify and separate the facts that are related and those that are not.
Exams are very difficult to finish but as much as possible do not leave any question unanswered
as he tends to not check answers after the blank page.
If you cannot finish the exam, as a last resort, write at least 2 sentence which summarizes your
answer but make sure it includes your legal basis. Every point counts.
17. Atty. Lara Fernando
Subjects taught: Statutory Construction
On Recitations:
Understand the concepts in the book and memorize the Latin maxims.
Read and understand the cases assigned as she always asks for the digest. She is not very strict
regarding the facts but requires a thorough understanding of the case doctrine.
The cases recited are in order as that in the syllabus. She does not skip a case unless it is recited.
Gives relatively higher grades to volunteers.
On Examinations:
Exams are definition of terms and enumeration. Latin Maxims will be asked.
Hypothetical questions are based on the cases assigned. Study the cases thoroughly.
18. Atty. Antonio S. Nachura
Subjects taught: Constitutional Law 1 and Administrative Law
On Recitations:
Very case heavy and case focused. Make sure to finish the cases assigned and understand every
case as he tends to jump from one topic to another.
Very specific with cases. Read the full text as much as possible as he asks for details not seen in
the digests.
Nachura Notes is very important as the flow of his discussion is based on this book.
Memorize certain enumerations and definitions as this will be asked during recitations.
Rounder; recitation is fast paced as 5-7 students are called in a one-hour class.
Avoid being absent as attendance has some bearing with him. Will give relatively low grades in
recitations which range from 70-79. Do not be discouraged.
Gives a higher grade to volunteers.
Quizzes are randomly given and are not zero based. Quizzes are usually 20 items. Once again,
avoid being absent during quizzes as these are given to pull recitation grades up.
On Examinations:
Questions are based on the cases assigned. ALAC method applies.
Questions are many, avoid giving long answers per questions as this will be time consuming. Be
direct to the point.
There are some enumerations but focus more on the cases as many items will be asked
regarding the cases.
19. Atty. Joseph Philip Andres
Subjects taught: Constitutional 1 and 2
On Recitations:
Starts recitations with codal provisions.
Understand the concepts and enumerations as these are asked repeatedly during discussions.
Usually reviews the lesson during the previous meeting.
Helps students during recitations, rarely confuses them.
Asks “trick questions” that are not seen in the book or in the cases. Answer these questions and
defend them the best you can as he gives credit to wrong answers with a good defense.
Explains the answer to his “trick questions”, listen to them carefully as they will surely be asked
during the exam.
Avoid being absent as he gives a high incentive to those with perfect attendance.
On Examinations:
Will ask the “trick questions” asked during the recitation.
Enumerations will surely be asked.
True or False type of question will be asked. Learn to differentiate between similar concepts.
Hypothetical questions are from the cases asked during recitation or the cases asked to be
digested.
