Legalese-Official Student Publication of the JMCFI-College of Law

𝗕𝗔𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼

A total of 5,594 out of 11,420 examinees successfully passed the 2025 Bar Exams with 48.98%, as announced on January 7 by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Ateneo de Davao University emerged as the top-performing law school nationwide in the 51–100 examinee category, posting a 100% passing rate after all 82 of its candidates passed. The university also topped the first-time takers category, producing 80 new lawyers.

Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City ranked fourth nationwide with 91.67%, followed by the University of Southeastern Philippines–Davao, which placed fifth with 89.29%.

In the 1–10 examinee category, North Eastern Mindanao State University in Surigao del Sur ranked first after all five of its examinees passed, followed by Saint Columban College in Pagadian City with a 75% passing rate.

For first-time takers with 11–50 examinees, Father Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City ranked third with 93.33%, while Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. in Davao City placed fifth with 92.59%.

St. Thomas More School of Law and Business in Tagum City topped the 1–10 first-time takers category after all nine of its candidates passed, together with Notre Dame of Marbel University, and North Eastern Mindanao State University, while Saint Columban College posted 75%.

The 2025 Bar Examinations were held on September 7, 10, and 14 at testing centers nationwide.

Below are the eight top-performing Mindanao Law Schools in the 2025 BAR Examinations

51–100 Examinees
• 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟴𝟮/𝟴𝟮 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%

11–50 Examinees
• 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟭𝟭/𝟭𝟮 | 𝟵𝟭.𝟲𝟳%
• 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀–𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 | 𝟮𝟰/𝟮𝟳 | 𝟴𝟵.𝟮𝟵%

1–10 Examinees
• 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟱/𝟱 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%
• 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 | 𝟯/𝟰 | 𝟳𝟱%

51–100 First-Time Takers
•𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟴𝟬/𝟴𝟬 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%

11–50 First-Time Takers
• 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗨𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟭𝟰/𝟭𝟱 | 𝟵𝟯.𝟯𝟯%
• 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. | 𝟮𝟳/𝟮𝟵 | 𝟵𝟮.𝟱𝟵%

1–10 First-Time Takers
•𝗦𝘁. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 | 𝟵/𝟵 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%
• 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟵/𝟵 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%
• 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝟵/𝟵 | 𝟭𝟬𝟬%
• 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 | 𝟯/𝟰 | 𝟳𝟱%





✍️: Hazel Tampipi
💻: Jemlea Puig

Transitioning from Legalese to the legal field!

We are proud to congratulate the former members of Legalese who recently passed the 2025 Bar Exam.

Atty. John Rey Codilla - Former Editor-in-Chief
Atty. Edzrapil Apil - Former News Editor
Atty. Eryel Comania - Former Opinion/Column Editor
Atty. Deanne Aubrey Salcedo – Former Social Media Editor
Atty. Joy Montecalvo - Former Opinion Writer/Columnist

Your journey, from the pages of Legalese to the chambers of the Bar, is an ode to the fact that dreams do come true when allied with discipline and purpose.

You are one living example that from humble beginnings come crusaders for truth, justice, and peace.

Congratulations, Attorneys!

JMCFI College of Law achieves 92.59% passing rate for first time takers in 2025 Bar Examinations
By: Page Aman

Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. (JMCFI) College of Law has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in legal education, with 28 out of 34 examinees successfully passing the 2025 Bar Examinations, achieving an impressive 82.35% overall pass rate, significantly surpassing the national average.

The Philippine Bar Examinations, held on September 7, 10, and 14, 2025, saw Mindanao examinees taking their tests at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) campus in Bangkal, Davao City. The results, which were recently released, showed that 5,594 out of 11,424 examinees nationwide passed, yielding a national passing rate of 48.98%.

JMCFI College of Law's performance was particularly notable among first-time takers, who achieved a remarkable 92.59% passing rate, underscoring the quality of legal education and bar preparation provided by the institution.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, who served as the 2025 Bar Examinations Chairperson, offered heartfelt words to those who did not pass on their first attempt.

"Grieve today, cry it all out, feel the pain, relish the sorrow, it's alright, it's part of being human. But tomorrow, find the strength to rise again, wipe the tears away, pick up the broken pieces, go out, try again," Justice Lazaro-Javier advised.

She continued with encouraging words: "Soldier on, never stop trying to reach your goal. And when you do, I will stand on the finish line with you still as your proud Bar mom."

The strong performance of JMCFI College of Law serves as a testament to the growing strength of legal education in Davao City and Mindanao. The institution remains committed to supporting all aspiring lawyers in their journey toward joining the Philippine Bar.

The new Jmarian lawyers from JMCFI will soon take their oath and sign the Roll of Attorneys serving communities across the Philippines, carrying with them the values and knowledge instilled by their alma mater.

# # #

JMCFI College of Law partners Carl Balita Review Center Cebu, aids Typhoon Tino victims in Consolacion, Cebu

The Supreme Student Council of the Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. College of Law extended assistance to families affected by Typhoon Tino in Riverside 2 Poblacion Oriental, and Barangay Danglag in Consolacion, Cebu, through a relief distribution held on December 27.

The said relief activity was conducted in partnership with Carl E. Balita Review Center, Cebu branch, headed by Bienvenido Gurrea.

The initiative was made possible through funds raised during the Mr. and Ms. Invictus 2025 event held on November 15. Proceeds from the People’s Choice Award, generated through the “Piso para sa Cebu” campaign, were fully allocated to provide aid to victims of Typhoon Tino, which struck the province of Cebu in October.

According to Lennie Faye Pavia, Third Year Representative who led the said distribution in Cebu, the initiative was a humbling experience seeing the strength of the affected families. “This experience was both humbling and empowering. Witnessing the strength and resilience of the community and the dedication of all those involved in the aftermath of Bagyong Tino,” she said.

“Thanks in great part to the invaluable support of the Carl Balita Review Center Cebu branch, it has been heartening to see the power of collective action in the midst of adversity,” Pavia added as she expressed her gratitude to CBRC despite being among those affected by the typhoon.

Despite the success of the initiative, the relief distribution was not without challenges. Pavia shared, “There were logistical difficulties, lack of resources, and emotionally trying circumstances. But through it all, it was because of the unswerving dedication of our team, through the hard work of CBRC to coordinate our efforts, that we responded to them adequately.”

Furthermore, the relief activity also served as a thanksgiving initiative this holiday season by the JMCFI community and CBRC. “The strength of resilience is amplified by a shared commitment,” Pavia ended.
# # #

CONGRATULATIONS!

Rev. Dr.Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, recipient of the Ministry Service Recognition Award and Youth Advocate of the Year. As the Founding Chairman of Keepers Club International, Inc., he has consistently championed the youth—empowering them to become nation builders, developing their leadership, and inspiring them to be agents of positive change.

His compassion extends to all, as he has helped thousands of people, including Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, in times of disaster and even beyond emergencies. His selfless service continues to uplift lives and strengthen communities.

CONGRATULATIONS, JMCFI!

The Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. College of Law's Dean Atty. Israelito Torreon proudly received a Plaque of Recognition at the Legal Education Board’s Year-End Stakeholders Meeting 2025 held on December 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center, honoring the institution’s dedicated efforts in ensuring its candidates were thoroughly prepared for the 2024 Bar Examinations.

The JMC earned the 8th spot among legal education institutions nationwide.

ARYA, JMCFI-COL! ⚖️

JMCFI College of Law Crowns Team Diwata Champions of Invictus 2025
By: Page Aman, Legalese

The Jose Maria College Foundation Inc. College of Law (JMCFI-COL) concluded its annual intramural event, Invictus 2025: Trails of the Mythical Forces on November 16, 2025, at the JMCFI Sky Gym, following three days of intense athletic competition and camaraderie among JMCFI law students from November 14 to 16.

Running under the theme "Forging the Next Generation of Legal Legends," the yearly sports festival brought together students from all year levels to compete in various sporting events that tested their physical prowess, teamwork, and unwavering spirit, qualities essential not only in athletics but in the legal profession itself.

During the opening program on November 14, Law Dean Atty. Israelito Torreon emphasized the profound significance of the word "Invictus," which means "unconquered" or "undefeated" in Latin. The Dean's remarks set the tone for the entire event, reminding students that the invincible spirit embodied in the competition would serve them well in their future legal careers, where resilience and determination are paramount.

The three-day competition featured four teams representing each year level, each named after legendary creatures from Philippine mythology:

Team Magindara (First Year)
Team Diwata (Second Year)
Team Minokawa (Third Year)
Team Urayen (Fourth Year)

What unfolded was a closely contested battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The matches were fiercely competitive, with each team demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship.

Adding a distinctive cultural flavor to the closing day, the Supreme Student Council organized Larong Pinoy activities. This segment allowed students to reconnect with traditional Filipino games, fostering not only friendly competition but also a deeper appreciation for Philippine cultural heritage. The traditional games provided a refreshing contrast to the more conventional sports competitions and were met with enthusiastic participation and laughter from all teams.

After three grueling days of competition, the final rankings were determined:

OVERALL CHAMPIONS: Team Diwata - 6,250 points
FIRST RUNNER-UP: Team Magindara - 5,500 points
SECOND RUNNER-UP: Team Minokawa - 5,350 points

THIRD RUNNER-UP: Team Urayen - 4,200 points

The success of Invictus 2025 reinforces JMCFI-COL's commitment to developing well-rounded legal professionals. During the Closing Program and Awarding of Teams, Atty. Matt Santiago, representing JMCFI-COL Dean Atty. Israelito Torreon, highlighted in his message that students must see law school not just as a place of suffering, but also as a place to meet friends. “People you see today may become your collaborating counsels, prosecutors, defense counsels, judges, and life-long friends,” Atty. Santiago added.

Beyond academic excellence, JMCFI-COL recognizes that physical fitness, teamwork, and competitive spirit are integral to forming resilient lawyers who can face the challenges of legal practice.

As the tournament concluded, participants and spectators alike carried with them the true essence of being unconquered in spirit, undefeated in determination, and united in their journey to becoming the next generation of legal legends. #

Invictus 2025 wraps up with a nostalgic twist!
The JMCFI College of Law closes this year’s sportfest with Larong Pinoy, bringing students together at the JMCFI Skygym for an afternoon of classic Filipino games, laughter, and teamwork.

Happening now., the event celebrates unity, culture, and the joyful spirit of being proudly Pinoy—perfect for the final day of Invictus 2025!

- Mary Galviso, Legalese Writer

DIWATA Reigns Supreme in Invictus 2025 Women’s Volleyball Tournament

The first match saw Magindara rise above the seasoned Urayen, securing a well-earned spot in the finals.

In the next showdown, the composed and powerful Diwata squad dominated Minokawa, paving their way to the championship match.

With resilience on full display, Minokawa outlasted Urayen to claim third place.

During the Championship game, Diwata was hailed as champion in a 25-16 match against Magindara. Their victory marked a proud moment for the second-year team, proving that discipline and teamwork are their strongest mythical powers.

Invictus 2025 reminds us that champions are not defined by the scoreboard alone, but by the heart they bring into every game.

May this year’s competition continue to inspire all students to embrace teamwork, believe in their potential, and face every trial mythical or real with unwavering strength.

- Glen Ledesma and Gretchen Alngog, Legalese Writers

Team Diwata Dominates the Lanes in Invictus 2025 Bowling Tilt

Team Diwata (2nd year law students) of the Jose Maria College clinched the top spot in the 2025 Invictus Bowling Game organized by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) at the SM Lanang Bowling Center on November 16, 2025.

Team Diwata knocked down 882 pins in an intense competition with Team Mikonawa (3rd year) which tallied 877 pinfalls.

Meanwhile, Urayen (4th year) finished 3rd with a score of 792, followed by Magindara with 791 pinfalls.

This year's Invictus Bowling games demonstrate that law students are more than their codals, proving that they can juggle intellect and athleticism all in one frame.

- Rhealyn Pojas, Legalese Writer

JMC College of Law's Invictus 2025 badminton games lit up the Epicenter in Buhangin, Davao City on November 15, 2025.

Standout performances were delivered across all year levels. In Men's Singles, third year Team Minokawa's Ken Palaca emerged as champion, followed by second yearTeam Diwata's Faradhz as 1st runner up.

Palaca also teamed up with Atty. Mark Mulit to secure the Men's Doubles championship, with fourth year or Team Urayen's Jerard Tamonlang and Neil Nadua placing second.

Team Minokawa's Carl Encarnacion and Beverlie Montebon dominated the Women's Doubles, while first year or Team Magindara's Ng and Puno finished in second place.

In Mixed Doubles, Team Magindara's Montecillo and Ng claimed the championship, with Team Minokawa's Jhoana Alilin and James Royo in second place or first runner up.

- Louie Lovete, Legalese Writer