Arellano Law Gazette

This December, the Christmas spirit once again filled the air as the Arellano Law Office of Student Affairs held its annual holiday outreach program on December 6, 2025, at the AUSL Review Room.

The event brought food, games, and fun to children from Pasay City barangays, who enthusiastically joined in the day’s activities. Highlights included appearances by beloved characters such as Santa Claus, Jollibee, and Sanrio’s Kuromi.

The most awaited moment was the gift-giving, where Santa Claus, school staff, and law student organizations’ representatives spread the festive spirit.

The children's collective joy, expressed through their bright smiles and grateful thanks, was the greatest gift in return for everyone.

#𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐯𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬

What started out as a pandemic learning modality experiment has now become the new “norm” in every Filipino law student’s life. The Legal Education Board’s (LEB) ever-evolving policies have left law students caught in a debate that goes beyond mere tradition and convenience—face-to-face or online law school?

Online law classes have opened up a lot of opportunities, particularly to a large percentage of working individuals (52%), women (57%), many of whom have to manage jobs, take care of, or worry about household earnings. It has proved to be the saving grace of many. Just ask law students at Arellano University School of Law, and you’ll likely hear responses like, “Online classes saved me both time and money,” especially when you’re trying to bill the hours while studying Criminal Law at 1.5x speed during work breaks. This modality didn’t just move traditional law classes into virtual ones; it also influenced the digitization of Bar Exams in the Philippines.

However, online learning still has its flaws: unstable internet, endless distractions, lack of motivation, and obviously, reduced interaction. A study shows that only a third of students had a stable internet connection, and two-thirds of them resided in regions where fewer than 20% of households have Wi-Fi connections, highlighting the digital divide. Although 86% had access to gadgets, the other 13% had to borrow, which complicated the learning process worse (Dimaano, 2020).

Face-to-face classes, on the other hand, are the closest thing to practicing law without actually practicing law- the professors grill you alive in classes, and recits are like a court trial. It cultivates camaraderie and discipline in ways an online class could never do. But this comes at a cost: braving Manila’s rush hours, higher expenses, physical burnout, juggling packed schedules, and even palpitations while waiting to be cold-called.

The verdict? Well, it's clear as day that online law classes are here to stay, but there is a pressing need for us to improve our online systems and resources. Philippine law schools must adapt and enforce stricter academic discipline and utilize technology to streamline their enforcement. In comparison, if face-to-face learning remains the preferred modality, schools must address its financial and logistical barriers so it does not become a privilege reserved for the few.

Ultimately, the Bar Exam will not ask whether you studied through Zoom or Room RH 101. It will not care how many hours you spent in an FX or the library, how many times your Wi-Fi lagged during recitation, or whether your codals were open during your online class. Whether you log in or walk into class, the standard should remain the same: a legal education that challenges, equips, and prepares every student to uphold the rule of law.

SOURCES:
Dimaano, A. M. (2020, April 17). Responding to a pandemic: Refocusing on welfare, quality of learning, and reducing inequalities in legal education [Policy paper]. Legal Education Board, Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from http://leb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LEB-Policy-Paper-on-the-Pandemic-Response-1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1lbPhd3g6eXvMwJWL_dDdPIOTiwF_3MqCl0g51DieGddmLvET6usbxePM

Written by Angela T. Estillore
Artcard by RK Peralta

#𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 | 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐩™ 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

Through crowds, stations, and endless lines, each tap of a beep™ card becomes a symbol of perseverance. Now, that tap can also mean relief.

After the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially rolled out a 50% fare discount for students using the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 starting June 20, 2025, coinciding with the opening of classes, the initiative continues to move forward this time through the Concessionary beep™ Card.

The discount covers not only elementary, high school, and college students, but also postgraduate learners, including Juris Doctor (Law) students. Read the first part of this report here: (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1144181780853678&set=a.499428615329001)

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐩™ 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥?
The Concessionary beep™ Card is a special card granted to eligible individuals such as students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). It allows them to enjoy fare discounts as provided by law and transport policies.

For students, including postgraduate and law students, the card automatically gives a 50% discount on train fares through the simple “tap-in, tap-out” system used at station gates.

The Concessionary beep™ Card is valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance. The expiration date is clearly indicated on the card.

How to Request / Apply for a 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐩™ 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 ?
Individuals interested in applying can go to any LRT-1, LRT-2, or MRT-3 station and seek help from the station tellers.

Necessary identification documents:
Students: Students: Current School ID (displaying the present school year), or Enrollment/Registration Verification
Senior Citizens: Valid Senior Citizen ID
PWDs: Valid PWD ID

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬
Step 1: Provide an Acceptable Valid ID
Show your valid ID to the Concessionary Card Processor (CCP).

Step 2: Encoding & Image Capture
Provide basic details such as:
Full Name, Birthdate, Contact Number or Email Address, City of Residence

Your ID and photo will be captured via we**am.
All gathered data complies with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Step 3: Sign the Acknowledgment Form
Read the acknowledgment form and sign as confirmation that you accept the card’s term.

Step 4: Pay ₱30 One-Time Fee
Pay a ₱30 issuance fee per card (cash only).
Note: This is a one-time fee and does not include load. The card must be loaded first before use at station tellers, vending machines, or via the beep™ app.

Step 5: Printing and Distribution of Cards
On the same day, wait for your card to be printed and verify that all information is accurate before departing. Finally, there you have it, your own concessionary beep

Concessionary beep™ Card holders automatically get a 50% train fare discount on train fares simply by tapping in and out the gates.

The number of concession cards issued per station each day may vary. Some reports say: Weekdays (Monday to Friday): around 80 cards for students, 10 for PWDs, and 10 for seniors; Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) : around 120 cards for students, 20 for PWDs, and 20 for seniors

These numbers may change depending on each station’s allocation and internal process.

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬
GMA News – DOTr Student Beep Card Launch
(https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/959009/dotr-student-beep-card-to-be-launched-sept-20/story/)
beep™ Official Website
(https://beep.com.ph/concessionary/)

📸✨ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐁𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲!

The Arellano Law Gazette and Arellano Law Forensic Guild are excited to share the official photo booth shots from a night of celebration and camaraderie. 🎉⚖️

👉 Check out the full set of raw photos and the GIFs here: https://fotoshare.co/e/uMCY7Y8xDxH47gUr1gAXk?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6WimAyXDLlbzuaKcpdU6sBsqYLNmYD1AqvbisTMQZZDQpc_UciH9a196CAmA_aem_1xkXafF3qE3DnM369pBF6A

Don’t forget to tag your friends, share your favorite snaps, and keep the memories alive! 💙🤍

Thank you to our photo booth partner Memento Studios- Photo Booth

📍✨ 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐂𝐉 𝟏𝟎𝟑!

The Arellano Law Gazette together with the Arellano Law Forensic Guild is bringing you the 2025 AUSL Post-Bar Mirror Booth 📸

Strike a pose, snap unlimited memories with friends, and help us raise funds for the Cayco Cup 2025!

📅 September 14, 2025 | 6–11 PM
📍 AUSL School Grounds, FCJ 103

Let’s make your post-bar night unforgettable! See you at the booth, Chiefs! 💜

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑!

The Arellano Law Gazette in partnership with the Arellano Law Forensic Guild brings you the 2025 AUSL Post-Bar Mirror Booth, a fun way to immortalize your post-bar memories while supporting a great cause!

💜 Proceeds will help fund the much-awaited Cayco Cup 2025 🏆

📷 Single Photo Strip – PHP 80 only!
📷 Unlimited Photo Pass – PHP 250 per pax

📅 September 14, 2025 | 6–11 PM
📍 AUSL School Grounds

Don’t miss out! strike a pose, snap with your friends, and take home memories you’ll cherish forever!

Huge shout out to our partner Memento Studios- Photo Booth! 📣

LOOK: The Arellano Law community continues its tradition of Bar Hatid, cheering on and uplifting the spirits of Arellano Law bar takers this 2025.

Godspeed, Chiefs! 🫡

WHAT'S UP ASPIRING CAMPUS SCRIBES! 🖋

Arellano Law Gazette is opening its doors for new scribes! Visit our booth to sign up today! We're here until tomorrow, August 31, 2025.

See you!

Chiefs, we know you had fun at the Lager Night 🍻, so we’re keeping the celebration going. Something bigger is coming soon! Save the date: September 14, 2025, at 6 PM on the AUSL grounds.

| WALANG PASOK | AUGUST 26, 2025

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 94 from the Office of the President and in compliance with Legal Education Board (LEB) Memorandum Circular No. 13, Series of 2025, the Arellano University School of Law Administration hereby announces the suspension of all classes tomorrow, August 26, 2025.

Stay safe chiefs!