BY ASANGAN T. MADALE
MARAWI CITY:-Acting through its members of the Board of Regents, the Mindanao State University largest-control and owned state University in Southern Philippines ,has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Legal Board (LEB) and its regulatory authority over state-owned ,chartered law school.
As posted in the Official Facebook Account of the MSU Information, Press and Publication, the petition also seeks a temporary restraining order and an injunction against LEB's cease-and desist and closure orders asserting that MSU's autonomy as a state-owned university renders it exempt from LEB's oversight.
Top University officials who requested not to be identified said, despite persistent intrusive actions from LEB, MSU has remained resolute in its commitment to the continued operation of its College of Law. The University 's legal action ,sanctioned by its highest governing body ,represents a significant challenge to LEB's authority and a courageous defense of academic freedom.
Hamid Sampaco Tuan of MSU main campus told the Manila Times that "The entire concept of the Legal Education Board is unconstitutional for intruding on the academic freedom of law schools and the universities and colleges to which they belong" (J Leonen Dissenting and Concurring Opinion in Pimentel v. LEB, G.R. No. 230642 (2021). Per J. Zalmeda, En Banc).
Meanwhile, in BARMM during the resumption of the regular session of BTA last September 24, the first legislator MP Khalid Ma-amor Hadji Abdullah delivered a speech recognizing the role of MSU-College of Law including its extensions as the main source of cost-effective legal education within the Bangsamoro region.
Abdullah emphasizes that "MSU Law is an indispensable institution of the Bangsamoro region as it provides hope and salvation on top of cost-effective legal education and service for justice to optimistic Bangsamoro who indubitably demand legal programs to overlook any battle violence in said region, MP Kyle specified in speech.
"Without MSU Law, the Bangsamoro would be devoid of development, accessible justice and chance to express and introduce its uniqueness to the harsh phenomenon of the world XXX, to which cases certainly will definitely never see the light of day. In Shaa Allah", MP Kayle added.
Meanwhile, Chancellor MMary Z Guinto-Sali of MSU Tawi-Tawi said the opening of the College of Law in Tawi-Tawi is one of the responses of MSU to support BARMM in its aim to provide social and transitional justice for Bangsamoro people. It shall be a precursor to the development of future lawyers and Shariah Counselors at
Law , which will effectively support the government in the administration of justice in Tawi-Tawi.
I would like to sincerely thank Governor Yshmael "Mang" Sali for the full support
It was also learned by the Manila Times that a bill was successfully approved during the joint meeting of the Committee on Basic , Higher and Technical Education and the Committee of Bangsamoro Justice System entitled "A Resolution Expressing Strong Support to the MSU-College of Law to Continue Providing Quality Legal
Education for the Bangsamoro People".
MP Marjanie Macasalong principally authored the bill said, this resolution affirms our unwavering commitment to strengthening educational institutions that play a vital role in the development and improvement of our communities , MSU-College of Law has long been at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of legal professionals equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the just and equitable governance of the Bangsamoro region.
Before the closing of the regular BTA session, MP Macaslong extended his gratitude to MP Ramon A Piang Sr, Acting Chairperson of the Committee on Bangsamoro Justice for his steadfast support and collaboration which were instrumental in the swift approval of this resolution.
We remain united in our vision of ensuring that educational institutions such as MSU-College of Law continue to serve as beacon of excellence and catalysts for positive change in our region, MP Macasalong added.
