UMak School of Law

📢 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 📢

Reducing our applicant pool from 700 to 60 was not easy. Throughout the selection process, we heard countless inspiring stories from across the country. Stories of dreams, hope, perseverance, and determination.

Every story mattered.

Our original plan was to admit 60 scholars. However, after careful deliberation and recognizing the exceptional caliber of this year's applicants, the School of Law is proud to announce the admission of an additional 10 scholars.

Congratulations to our ten new scholars! With your inclusion, we now complete our cohort of 70 new scholars for the 10th year of UMak School of Law.

From 700 applicants to 200 LSAT Passers to 70 scholars, this journey reflects not only academic excellence but also resilience and character.

May you all rise above the challenges and rigors of law school, remain steadfast in your purpose, and make the most of this opportunity.

Welcome to the UMak School of Law community.

Atty. Layug speaks at the 6th FINEX GMM

Speaking before an audience of over 100 executives from top corporations, emergent businesses, and academic institutions, DivinaLaw Senior Partner Atty. Jay Layug shared his thoughts and perspectives on how business leaders can incorporate energy risks into their investment and growth strategies.

“If you have excess land, maybe start considering building your own power supply because it will be cheaper for you,” said Atty. Layug. “If your land or rooftop is sitting empty, we can guide you in how to build solar panels, and with battery.”

Atty. Layug also encouraged businesses to adopt sustainability practices, such as opting to use more energy-efficient appliances.

Atty. Layug was invited by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) for its 6th General Membership Meeting themed “Energy Crisis, Economic Crossroads: Charting the Philippines' Financial Future.” He was joined by fellow speaker, economist Dr. JC Punongbayan.

Atty. Layug is the co-head of DivinaLaw’s Energy practice group and is also the president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement (DREAM), the umbrella organization of renewable energy associations in the Philippines.

🎓 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

The University of Makati – School of Law (UMAK SOL) is pleased to announce the initial list of 60 newly admitted scholars under the Juris Doctor Scholarship Program of the City Government of Makati for Academic Year 2026–2027.

These applicants have successfully met the qualifications and requirements set by the University and are hereby offered admission to the Juris Doctor Program, subject to compliance with enrollment and documentary requirements.

Further details regarding enrollment procedures, documentary requirements, and orientation schedules will be communicated directly to the admitted scholars through their registered email addresses.

We extend our sincere congratulations to the qualified applicants on this significant achievement and look forward to their decision to join our growing community.

Today, we celebrate the 356th founding anniversary of the city of Makati, a place that has grown from humble historical beginnings into the financial capital of the Philippines.

From a quiet riverside community to a thriving modern city, Makati stands as a symbol of ambition, resilience, and progress. As a city that never sleeps, it is also a city where dreams are made and futures are shaped.

The University of Makati School of Law proudly honors the city’s rich history, rooted in faith, aspiration, and grit—values that are reflected in its scholars.

As Makati celebrates 356 years of history and transformation, may it remain a home for bigger dreams and continuous progress that moves the country forward.

Atty. Layug at the 3rd EJAP Energy Forum

In a forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), government officials and industry leaders recently came together to discuss the country’s response to the ongoing energy crisis and the long-term policy direction for Philippine energy.

DivinaLaw Senior Partner Atty. Jay Layug lauded the present administration for making great strides in transitioning the Philippines towards renewable energy. At the same time, Atty. Layug notes there is still much room for improvement particularly in improving permitting processes for building power plants.

“The EVOSS Act was signed in 2019 and until now, not all government agencies are there in EVOSS. We need everybody to be on the same page,” said Atty. Layug. EVOSS stands for Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, a centralized, digital platform established under Republic Act No. 11234 to streamline the permitting process for energy projects.

Atty. Layug also pushed for more installed capacity in power generation to avoid the recurring outages during summer months. “Right now, if you check, there are 20 power plants that are either derated or shut down.” He stressed the need to build more power plants and encouraged the government to increase its current renewable energy targets.

Atty. Layug took part in a discussion with fellow panelists, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director for Market Operations Service Sharon O. Montañer, Prime CoreGen President and CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. de Dios, and MGEN Renewables President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan. Philippine Star Business Editor Iris C. Gonzales was the moderator.

Atty. Layug is a former Undersecretary of the Department of Energy. He co-heads DivinaLaw’s Energy practice group and is also the president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement (DREAM), the umbrella organization of renewable energy associations in the Philippines.

📌 10th Cycle of UMak Admission Interviews

Since welcoming its pioneer batch under the Juris Doctor Program on 07 August 2017, the University of Makati School of Law (UMak SOL)has remained committed to its vision of becoming one of the country’s leading institutions for legal education, producing future lawyers grounded in competence, fairness, public service, and the protection of rights.

In line with this mission of forming capable and service-oriented lawyers, UMak SOL continues its tradition of carefully selecting the next generation of scholars who will carry its values into the legal profession. On its 10th cycle of admission interviews, the School of Law has already produced 91 lawyers, all of whom once went through the same panel interview with the Deans and the faculty of UMak SOL.

In the panel interview, applicants are assessed not just through academic credentials, but through their grit, character, and determination. More than intelligence, the interview reflects an applicant’s commitment to making the most of the opportunity to study law through the scholarship program provided by the City Government of Makati.

For this month of May, the Executive Dean, Atty. Jose M. Layug, Jr., and Associate Dean, Atty. Antony J. Parreno, together with the faculty, undertake the vital task of selecting the next batch of UMak SOL scholars.

This cycle, the University of Makati School of Law extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished panel of interviewers whose service, time, expertise, and insights greatly contribute to the selection process and the continued pursuit of excellence in legal education: Justice Selma P. Alaras, Judge Joselito B. Villarosa, Atty. Rodolfo Noel S. Quimbo, Atty. Raymond G. Pasiliao, Atty. Angel Chona Grace I. Valero-Nunez, Atty. Mikaela Andrea C. Cuacoyes, Atty. Demetrio A. Cabulay, Jr., Atty. Ferlan L. Farinas, Atty. Mia Angela B. Royulada, and Atty. Naomi Angel O. Caparal.

💜⚖️

Happy Birthday to our City Mayor, Nancy Binay!

The University of Makati School of Law extends its warmest greetings and deepest appreciation for your inspiring leadership and unwavering support to the School of Law, its scholars, and the City Government of Makati.

Your commitment to public service continues to make a meaningful impact in advancing legal education and empowering the next generation of Makati scholars.

We celebrate you today and wish you continued strength, good health, and success in all your endeavors.

Happy Birthday, Mayor Nancy Binay! 🎉

The School of Law paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Maria Lourdes "Nancy" S. Binay and members of the Makati City Council following their participation in the Flag Raising Ceremony at Makati City Hall.

The delegation was led by Executive Dean Jose M. Layug Jr., together with Associate Dean Antony J. Parreño; Center Director for Law and Technology Atty. Ferlan L. Fariñas; Center Director for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Atty. Mikaela Andrea C. Cuacoyes; and Center Director for Public Policy and Governance Atty. Demetrio A. Cabulay Jr. They were joined by administrative staff members Mark Daniele Mabalay, Mia Frances D. Diego, and John Daniel V. Sta. Maria.

During the visit, the delegation presented its plans for 2027 in celebration of the School of Law’s 10th anniversary, along with updates on admissions and its scholarship program. The team also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Return of Service initiatives in partnership with the city government, in support of and for the continued benefit of the City of Makati.

Also present to express their support were Elyxzur C. Ramos, President of the University of Makati, and Prof. Ederson DT Tapia, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

📢 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐊 𝐋𝐀𝐖 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒

The University of Makati School of Law is proud to announce the results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

From a total of seven hundred (700) applicants nationwide, the Top Two Hundred (200) examinees have qualified for the next stage of the admissions process.

The University extends its commendation to all successful examinees for demonstrating the competence and readiness required for legal education.

𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙂𝙀: 𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙀𝙇 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒
Qualified applicants shall proceed to a formal panel interview to be conducted by the Dean of the School of Law and members of the faculty of the University of Makati.

Applicants are advised to await the official email containing their individual interview schedules and further instructions.

Kindly monitor your registered email address and the official UMak page for further announcements.