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Political Dynasties in the Philippines: In My Opinion

Next year’s Philippine midterm elections are fast approaching and it paints an all too-familiar image once again: candidates that are ei...

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April 2013
Talking about his long series of feats, his life as a working student, and things about the college and more; the amiable Dean Moslem sits with The Nexus for a téte-a-téte at his office in Marawi City.

The Nexus: This may sound a bit late sir, but still, in behalf of the IIT Extension, we congratulate you for your appointment as the new dean of the MSU College of Law.

Dean Moslem: Thank you.

The Nexus: Sir, looking at your family name, many are wondering if you're indeed related to the current MSU President Macapado Muslim. Others are saying that you aren't because of the variation in spelling.

Dean Moslem: To settle all doubts, the incumbent MSU President is really my younger brother. But when we were in grade school, I used the surname “MosIem" while he used “Muslim”. It's difficult to change the records.  The names stuck. And so we just continued to use varying surnames. But it doesn’t mean we’re not related [smiles].

The Nexus: Now that's on the record. Sir, it seems that the sense of achieving runs in the family. Are all of you in the family professionals?

Dean Moslem: Majority of us in the family are professionals. I, the MSU President, and my two sisters are currently connected with the university while the other two are engaged in business.

The Nexus: Sir, may we know the story behind your admission to the legal profession?

Dean Moslem: I grew up here in Marawi. I studied at the MSU-Preparatory School but on my second year in high school, the family moved to General Santos City. There, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College. And then I studied law at Ateneo de Cagayan. I was a working student back then, connected with the Department of Trade and Industry. From a class of 60, only 18 of us graduated. And among those 18, only three passed the 1980 Bar Exams—I was one of them.

Dean Macacuna A. Moslem
The Nexus: Sir, may we know some milestones of yours before being appointed at the college of law?
Dean Moslem: Well, it's quite a long story. I have served at the university for about thirty years and I’ve handled different posts for the same length of time. It was my brother who invited me to teach at the College of Business Administration. At that time, he served in the College of Public Affairs. Looking back, it was a ‘losing proposition’ on my part because I spent more than what I earn—a meager 100-peso salary for starters [smiles]. But I taught at CBA for a pretty long time—I must have loved teaching very much. I was even awarded with a “Loyalty Award” for having taught more than 25 years in the college.

I am the first Maranao professor to focus on Commercial Law and Islamic Banking. I was fortunate enough to be a government scholar at International Islamic University in Malaysia where I obtained my Master's in Comparative Law in 1992. About six years thereafter, I completed my Doctorate of Philosophy in Law. By the way, I have also served as Dean of CBA for about 6 years.  After obtaining my PhD, I served at the Office of Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr. by virtue of the MOA between MSU and the Province of Lanao del Sur in furtherance of extension programs. For another six years, l served as the Vice President for Administration and Finance and also served as the Senior Legal Adviser for the MSU System.

Quite a history, isn’t it?

The Nexus: That sure is a lot of achievement. Sir, regarding your election, how did it bring about?

Dean Moslem: The Board of Regents elected me to the position. Modesty aside, they believe that l am most suited for the job—given my academic degrees and performance in the past three decades—so l accepted the position. Anyway, I have been teaching in the college for quite some time, too; Assistant Dean Atty. Ditucalan and even Dean Basari Mapupuno are just some of my former students at the College.

The Nexus: After becoming a lawyer, amazingly, you still managed to obtain various academic degrees abroad. What inspired you to do this?

Dean Moslem: I wanted to master the subject matter I am teaching, to be knowledgeable in my field. Also, l believe that as a faculty member, this is a very important requirement. One shouldn’t stop learning.
 
The Nexus: What are your plans for the college, sir?

Dean Moslem: Well, in the College of Law, we have to ensure that only the competent and qualified students are the ones taking up law. This is my emphasis: to produce “Quality Graduates”. My admission policy is getting the best.  I’m now planning to devise an entrance exam. The questions to be asked will be made with help from the English Department which would include aptitude tests with psychometric exercises to ensure that only those qualified will be admitted.

You know, students expect highly from their professors, too. But the professors should be able to see to it that only those who deserve to pass…will pass. In the same manner, students who deserve failing grades should receive what is rightfully due them. I’m sorry to say that but the truth is that giving a passing grade to one who is not performing well gives students false hope. In my administration, the emphasis is in dispensing education. Yet, we are still on the process of reforming.

The good thing is, in all fairness to the President, all of our requests including the upgrading of books were not turned down.

The Nexus: Sir, how would you assess the current status of the extension class at lligan and what do you think are the challenges that go with it?

Dean Moslem: Let me tell you first the backstory on the IIT Extension’s inception. In 1982, the administration of MSU-IIT made a proposal to the BOR for the College of Law but it was not the priority, as accorded by the mandate of IIT which is on Science and Technology. The then DECS Secretary Quisumbing disapproved their proposal. Again, they have made some sort of representations but still Sec. Quisumbing replied in the negative. The Board of Regents started the operation for 1 year and classified it as an “extension”. The continuance of the class, as it has become now, was through the efforts of former Chancellor Boransing.

Now, regarding the extension classes in lligan and General Santos, there was no difference but there is a totally different scenario between the two: GenSan Extension shoulders the expenses of the extension class, while MSU-IIT administration does not.

This is really difficult—if not unimaginable—because just recently MSU-IIT is charging us with a more than 100-thousand bill for the room rentals. The charge is too much. I believe this policy should be relaxed. Because really, charging us with this handsome amount of bill is like transferring money from the left pocket to the right. I don’t recommend for the extension’s closure that’s why I am planning to meet with the Chancellor and other admin officials regarding this matter. I am hoping for a positive outcome. All of this is a part of my goal to make sure that no burden is placed on the students on matters that should in fact be shouldered by MSU-IIT. You will agree with me if I say we’re doing MSU-IIT and the City of lligan a favor. They should look at the extension class as something very beneficial for its constituents.
 
The Nexus: What can you say about the faring of our bar takers on the recent bar exams? Are you satisfied with the results?

Dean Moslem: To be honest, I’m not satisfied. When l was in Manila to support our students in the bar operations, I’ve noticed that after the exams, our students were not jubilant like their counterparts from other prestigious law schools. They were flabbergasted. They were not expecting that the Bar Exam was that difficult—perhaps the reason for this is lack of preparation. It was a rather painful sight. MSU College of Law should perform better in the exams.

Incidentally, students should be mindful as there has already been a joint resolution from both houses of Congress for the closure of schools that have poor performance in the government licensure exams. I was told that some schools were already closed for obtaining national passing percentage below 50%. If poor performance is seen for 3 consecutive years, no budget will be allocated and the school will be padlocked.

The Nexus: I hope that our college will not be among those that will be padlocked. In closing, what is your closing message to our studentry, especially for those studying at the IIT Extension?

Dean Moslem: IIT extension students should be happy that they are studying law at IIT because other schools not only consider but recognizes it as one of the best. You should work very hard and should not consider your jobs as a hindrance because lack of finances is not a reason for not working hard. In fact, that should serve as your inspiration.

The Nexus: Very well said, sir. And thank you for availability for this interview.

Interviewed by JR Lopez Gonzales at the Dean’s Office at MSU-Main College of Law, Marawi City in November last year. This should've made the Nexus issue for AY 2012-2013 but according to the SLSC Officials, due to financial constraints, no budget was allocated for its publication.
Radio City Music Hall, NEW YORK - Cuban pugilist Guillermo Rigondeaux snatched the win from Filipino fighter Nonito Donaire, Jr. via a controversial unanimous decision, 114-113, 115-112, and 116-111, in order to defend his WBA title and seize Donaire's WBO and The Ring Bantamweight titles, hours earlier. Donaire had been undefeated for 12 years since 2001.

 

At the start of the round, both seized each other’s power and had occasional clashes in the first round intensity is shooting up as the Filipino’s early flurry was answered with Rigondeaux’s counters.

Whirlwind second round came but “The Filipino Flash” seemed to be prompted to lose his rhythm due to Rigondeaux’s hit-and-run style. A clean hit was unleashed by the 2012 Fighter of the Year Donaire in 2:20 of the second round but the sly Rigondeaux was quick to clinch in order to break the former’s momentum. It was only on the early first rounds where the Cuban puncher actually engaged with Donaire in a stand-up fight.
At the third  round, Donaire unleashed his combinations with 14 seconds remaining in the round, chasing after the always backpedalling Rigondeaux. The crowd disliked Rigondeaux’s defensive style of avoiding fighting toe-to-toe with the Filipino tactician which led to a series of boos in between the middle rounds of the fight.

In the seventh round, however, Rigondeaux tactically connected with a jab 1:16 in the bout as a counter to a Donaire left hook. No clear engagements between the two ensued in the following rounds due to the Cuban’s ‘backtracking’ style.
The shock to everyone came in the tenth round where, thirty seconds after the slip which led the Cuban to fall to the floor, Donaire unleashed his straight left to knock the former Olympic gold medallist down. Rigondeaux maintained his composure and continued to walk around the right to avoid Donaire’s punches.


Rigondeaux maintained his “hitting-and-running” style which led to the frustration of the stalking Filipino pugilist. In the last round, a strong left counter of Rigondeaux landed on the right eye of Donaire which led the latter to use the ring in order to prevent more damage. With the clock winding down, Rigondeaux finally engages with Donaire who dances out of trouble and lifted his right glove to protect his impaired eye.

“I don’t think he won the fight. That [10th round knockdown] was enough to win the round or a draw. He didn’t have power”, says Donaire in a post-fight interview by HBO. But he was quick to admit that he was careless and did not focus enough.

Rigondeaux improves his record to 12-0 (8 KOs) while Nonito Donaire slips to 31-2 (20 KOs). It was Donaire's second loss since 2001.


Photo Credit:

http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/4/14/4222666/donaire-vs-rigondeaux-results-guillermo-rigondeaux-scores-the-upset
The Office of the Solicitor General, the law firm of the Philippines, has officially started its legal internship program called "Patriots Wanted" for the  sixty-four (64) junior and senior law students all over the country, yesterday, at the OSG Building, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

The internship in the OSG involves a structured two-month legal training to outstanding law students from all over the country which is designed "to impart upon its participants a sense of patriotism and a deeper appreciation of public service."

Associate Solicitor General Karl Miranda, who heads the program since 2008, opened the program with the orientation at the Ambrosio Padilla Hall together with  Associate Solicitor Patrick Joseph Tapales.
ASG Karl Miranda orients the 65 OSG legal interns.
In a keynote address of Chief Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza, he stressed out that those people in the legal profession who opted to work in the government are patriots. He also said that there is a need to uphold “integrity in advocacy, and social justice through advocacy”.
Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza talking about  the  "patriots in the government".

The admission into its internship program is highly competitive with applicants going through a very rigorous selection process. The bases for admission are excellent grades, and leadership potential or experience.

 Specific tasks of the OSG Interns are, among others, the review of cases, pleading drafting, attendance of court hearings, participation in lectures, seminars and workshops on various legal topics, and visits to courts and government offices. Interns will also have the chance to attend court hearings with OSG lawyers as well as attend lectures and seminars on various legal topics.
The 2013 Office of the Solicitor General legal interns are the following:

Luzon
• Arellano University
1. Rootbeer Marie Napiza

 • Ateneo de Manila University
1. Adrian Paul Bernardo
2. Noelle Jenina Buan
3. Keith Elbert King
4. Domingo Lucenario III
5. Carla Mariel Maglaya
6. Rosanne Jeli Magtanob
7. Anne Katherine Navarete
8. Karen Pascual
9. Ralbert John Neil Tibayan

 • De La Salle – Lipa
1. Jerueh Labro
2. Ismael Serrano

 • De La Salle University
1. Regine Delos Reyes
2. Redentor Feliciano
3. Emil Angelo Martinez
4. Othello Mendoza
5. Charity Pedrajas
6. Henry Tanbengco

 • DLSU-FEU Consortium
1. Arthur Dizon
2. Gwendolyn Marquez

 • Far Eastern University
1. Raymond Andes
2. Aljeane Torres

 • Northwestern University (Laoag)
1. Mona Liza Antonio

 • Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
1. Ramon Christopher Ganan
2. Arfine Ingusan

 • San Beda College
1. Irene Mae Alcobilla
2. Hyacinth Aldueso
3. Jose Paulo Belarmino
4. Jansen Bernardo
5. Jolas Brutas
6. Joy Samantha Carungay
7. Angeline Chaves
8. Tracy Anne De Jesus
9. Estela Joy Intig
10. Kristine Grace Meneses
11. Janelle Mupas
12. Rea Niña Ocfemia
13. Reynold Orsua
14. Renz Pagayanan
15. Daniel Von Evan Panelo
16. Shiela Pasicolan
17. Vanessa Sanchez

 • St. Louis University (Baguio City)
1. Doreen Borricano

 • University of Santo Tomas
1. Arwin Cabanting
2. Kristine Jane Liu
3. Juan Karlo Silva

 • University of the Philippines
1. Jauhari Azis
2. Ranulfo Javelosa
3. Noel Christian Luciano
4. Daryl Ray Dumayas

 Visayas
• San Sebastian College – Recoletos
1. John Stephen Humiwat
2. Gerlyn Fe Oyos

 • University of Negros Occidental -  Recoletos (Bacolod City)
1. Angelica Rojas
2. Ericson Cepida
3. Diana Fe Tan

 • University of San Carlos (Cebu City)
1. Kaitlin Mary Cor Cañada
2. Ruby Charmaine Gan
3. Alvin Clyde Gregorio
4. August Lizer Malate
5. Barbara Anne Ocaba
6. Hannica Rachel Arsia Ong
7. Athena Plaza
8. Felice Suzzane Soria

 Mindanao
• Mindanao State University (Marawi City)
1. JR Lopez Gonzales
2013 OSG legal interns under the Sedfrey Ordoñez Division still beaming after a hard day's work.
L-R (girls): Christine Liu, Angelica Rojas, Jerueh Labro, Estela Joy Intig
Clockwise from the left (guys): Domingo Lucenario III, JR Lopez Gonzales, and August Lizer Malate.
The OSG is tasked to stand as counsel for the People of the Philippines, the Philippine Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, officials, and agents (especially before the appellate courts) in any litigation or matter requiring the services of a lawyer.

With the data coming from the Senate Legislative Bills and Index Service for the 15th Congress (as of February 7, 2013), here are the Top 10 Senators who filed the most bills or resolutions.

It is of importance to note, however, that only 26 bills became law. Among these were the GOCC Governance Act, Cybercrime Prevention Act, Sin Tax Reform Act, and the Reproductive Health Act.
  

10 - Sen. Ralph Recto - 146
(out of this, he principally authored 59 bills and 30 resolutions)



9 - Sen. Ed Angara - 183
(out of this, he principally authored  130 bills and 6 resolutions)

 

8 - Sen. Bong Revilla - 206
(out of this, he principally authored 135 bills and 15 resolutions)

 

7 - Sen. Loren Legarda - 297
(out of this, she principally authored 149 bills and 87 resolutions)

 

6 - Sen. Chiz Escudero - 306
(out of this, he principally authored  156 bills and 9 resolutions)





5 - Sen. Lito Lapid - 381
(out of this, he principally authored 183 bills and 126 resolutions)

 

4 - Sen. Sonny Trillanes - 388
(out of this, he principally authored 327 bills and 17 resolutions)

 

3 - Sen. Jinggoy Estrada - 672
(out of this, he principally authored 595 bills and 21 resolutions)

 
2 - Sen. Manny Villar - 717
(out of this, he principally authored  432 bills and 212 resolutions)


1 - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago - 1090
(out of this, she principally authored 838 bills and 208 resolutions)


Runner –ups, arranged from ranks 11 to 24, are the following:

11 - Sen. Pia Cayetano - 127

12 - Sen. Tito Sotto - 117

13 - Sen. Franklin Drilon - 116

14 - Sen. TG Guingona III - 99

15 - Sen. Migz Zubiri - 97

16 - Sen. Gringo Honasan - 85

17 - Sen. Bongbong Marcos - 84

18 - Sen. Kiko Pangilinan - 80

19 - Sen. Ping Lacson - 79

20 - Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile - 70

21 - Sen. Serge Osmeña - 63

22 - Sen. Koko Pimentel** - 54

23 - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano - 45

24 - Sen. Joker Arroyo - 31


To reiterate my view from my "Top 10 Senators with the most number of bills filed in the Senate" article:

it is more relevant to compare turnover of bills that became a law. This means the initial effort of drafting the idea was successful enough to be supported by everybody, thus becoming a law. Here you can see the real effort, because the political will and leadership is more evident but I believe the better presentation is placing laws vis-à-vis the bills. Only then will we know who makes the most sensible laws of all.

Filing a bill is easy but making useful and helpful bills is more important. It is not on who has written more bills but on who has written bills that can be benefited by all, if not many.



** Pimentel was only able to assume his post on Aug. 8, 2011 during the second regular session.

Photo Credits:

http://harveykeh.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/angara-jvo.jpg
http://img2.bdbphotos.com/images/orig/l/8/l88jrhy0k0ieyhk8.jpg
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/files/2011/12/miriam-santiago.jpg



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