Dean Jose Manuel I. Diokno, holder of the “Chief Justice Panganiban Professorial Chair on Liberty and Prosperity” delivered his first lecture entitled “The Philippine Judiciary- Problems and Prospects” on November 5, 2012 at the Natividad Fajardo Hall of the Bro. Andrew Gonzalez Building at the De La Salle University College of Law.

Dean Diokno Discussed the Filipino concept of justice or “katarungan.” From there, he moved into what ails our judicial system and his proposed solutions. Basically, he said that our Rules of Court are based on the American system, which in turn is anchored on jury trial. This latter mode places high wall on trial proceedings so as not to unduly influence the jury members who are not lawyers. In the Philippines however, trials are conducted and decided by judges who are knowledgeable in the law and need not be protected from media hype.

The lecture program included Welcome Remarks by La Salle Vice Law Dean Jocelyn Cruz, a Message from Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña and Closing Remarks from FLP Chairman and retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban.

Enthusiastic Law students at the registration booth

Welcome remarks by Atty. Jocelyn Cruz, Vice Dean of DLSU College of Law 

Closing remarks by  retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban

Special guests with tokens of appreciation from Dean Diokno and the DLSU College of Law

5 November 2012
Dean Jose Manuel I. Diokno
De La Salle University College of Law
“The Philippine Judiciary: Problems and Prospects” (PDF)