Written by: Shenellyn Pineda, Jaime Luna, Ella Abad, and Lovely Pangandaman
In the ever-evolving landscape of legal education, San Beda University College of Law (SBU-COL) stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. This year, the college welcomes a new roster of professors composed of distinguished judges and lawyers.
As these new law professors take their place among the pillars of Bedan education, they join a legacy rooted in Fides, Scientia, and Virtus, continuing the institution’s heritage of excellence. With their diverse expertise, they strengthen SBU-COL’s mission of cultivating competent, compassionate, and principled lawyers.
As this new chapter unfolds, one wonders what mark they will leave on future generations of Bedan lawyers.
Atty. Frances Camille Francisco: Grit, Grace, and Law
Atty. Frances Camille Francisco, a professor, bar topnotcher, and Associate Director at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co., embodies the modern Filipino lawyer who balances intellect and purpose.
Admitted to the bar in 2023 after landing at Top 3 and now teaching Constitutional Law at SBU-COL, she describes her teaching philosophy as one that emphasizes insight and analysis while encouraging students to develop critical thinking over memorization.
“Teaching is about cultivating analytical minds,” she shared, “and guiding students to see the bigger picture behind every case and principle is crucial.”
Having juggled work and study, she shared that the transition from full-time student to working professional required discipline and time management. Law school, she said, was rigorous but taught her perseverance. That discipline shaped her approach to both her professional and academic roles.
Reflecting on legal education, she noted that technology and AI have changed how students learn, yet critical thinking and originality remain essential. Atty. Francisco takes pride in San Beda’s legacy of grit and the Ora et Labora mentality.
“San Beda trains lawyers with endurance and faith,” she emphasized.
Her advice to aspiring lawyers: “Have a clear, deeper purpose beyond personal success. For her, faith, discipline, and service make the study of law a journey of purpose.”
Atty. Dauz-Albao: From the Bar Exam to the Blackboard
“Looking back, teaching has always been a part of who I am. Whenever I study, it’s as if I’m teaching, and I have often used the Feynman technique of breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms to make sure I truly understand them,” shared Atty. Chelsea Eichel R. Dauz-Albao, the sole Excellent Bar Passer of San Beda University in the 2020/21 Bar Exams, with a rating of over 90%.
Inspired by her father, an accomplished lawyer, she pursued law and was later invited to teach in the College of Law after excelling as a litigation lawyer.
As a professor, Atty. Dauz is motivated with the thought that she “took it as a calling to pay forward the lessons, discipline, and values San Beda instilled…” and as the Hymn goes, “Bedans will answer the clarion call.” For her, it is an honor and privilege to give back to our alma mater by helping shape future Bedan lawyers.
She believes each generation of students brings unique strengths and ways of learning, requiring professors to adapt while maintaining the Benedictine tradition of discipline and excellence.
For her, being a Bedan is a badge of honor — a mark of resilience and proof of having
Atty. Paolo Alfonso: Translating Theory into Legal Practice
Meet Atty. Juan Paolo Alfonso, a dedicated Human Rights Law advocate who brings a deep commitment to legal ethics and the protection of rights into his teaching and professional life. He helps build the foundations of first year students by teaching Constitutional Law I and introduces the complexities of Property Law to the second years.
Atty. Alfonso’s academic journey began at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He then pursued law at San Beda University Manila, and finished as Salutatorian in 2016. He later earned his Master of Laws with Distinction in Human Rights Law at Queen Mary University of London.
Driven by a conviction for social justice, he completed an internship with the San Beda Legal Aid Bureau. After graduating with flying colors, his career included work at the Senate of the Philippines and as Senior Associate at ACCRALAW. He now serves as Partner at Alfonso & Labay.
Atty. Rochelle Enrile: Balancing the Books and the Bench
Atty. Rochelle Enrile brings an integrated legal and financial expertise into the classroom. This unique background is instrumental in her teaching of Statutory Construction, enabling every first year law student’s ability to effectively interpret and determine the spirit of laws enacted by the legislature.
Discipline and distinction define Atty. Enrile’s academic journey. She earned two Bachelor’s Degrees – Accounting and Finance, and Business Administration, Major in Internal Auditing – securing the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude in both at Far Eastern Technical University. She landed Top 9 in the 2017 Certified Public Accountant Board Exams.
Taking this determination to law, she pursued her juris doctor in San Beda University and graduated as Valedictorian. As a student, Atty. Enrile was also an active member of San Beda Law RCGT-Bar Operations Center.
Prior to joining the SBU-COL faculty, Atty. Enrile established a distinguished legal and auditing career as a CPA. Her dual expertise in auditing and law translated into practice as a former Audit Associate and Associate at the prestigious firms SGV & Co. and Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan respectively. Today, she currently serves as a Senior Associate at Reyes Tacandong & Co.
Judge Carl Villamil: Making Law Relatable
Judge Carl Ron Villamil is one of the new and young faces in the judiciary, having been appointed as a judge at the Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 98, Mandaluyong City seven years after passing the bar and graduating as Class Salutatorian from SBU-COL.
Currently teaching Property and Land Law and Constitutional Law I, he recalls how he gravitated towards Civil Law subjects during his stay at the university for their significance in daily life. Thus, as a professor, he emphasizes the real-world application of legal concepts by combining traditional and practical approaches to teaching.
In his role as a judge, he exemplifies tenacity when his age and experience are compared to seasoned judges. He does not mind the challenge but rather welcomes it.
Judge Villamil reminds students that while studying at San Beda Law is not a walk in the park, the principle of Ora et Labora will never fail you.
“As long as your grades have not yet been uploaded, there is still hope. There’s still a chance for you to recover,” he tells thebarrister. “But you need to do your part. You need to strive hard and study hard.”
Atty. Cherish Ferrer: Setting the Standards for Bedan Law Students
Atty. Cherish Kim Ferrer, Class Salutatorian of San Beda University College of Law 2020, joined the Roll of Attorneys in 2021 as one of the Exemplary Passers of the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations.
As a student, she was an active member of the Bedan community through the San Beda RCGT-Bar Operations Center, San Beda Law Journal, and San Beda Legal Aid Bureau. After graduation, she worked as a Senior Tax Associate at SGV & Co. and later as a Junior Legal Associate at ACCRALAW. Today, she serves as a Court Attorney at the Court of Appeals and teaches Property and Land Titles Law and Criminal Procedure at San Beda.
“My teaching philosophy is understanding over memorization,” she shares. “I want my students to analyze the provisions and jurisprudence.” Her favorite subject remains to be Political Law, which “provided me with a broader perspective on how I see the world.”
Earlier this year, she attended the Winter Courses on Public and Private International Law at The Hague Academy. When asked about her motivation in joining the faculty, her response was that “Engaging with my students gives me fresh perspectives. It’s not just them who learn, I do as well.”
overcome one of the most demanding law schools in the country, worthy of pride and respect within the legal profession.
The Bedan Legacy
A new generation of law students now learns under a new generation of professors, each shaped by different experiences yet united by one mission to mold future Bedan lawyers grounded in integrity, excellence, and service.
While students face modern challenges and professors adapt to evolving methods, both share the same pursuit of justice and learning. This meeting of generations goes beyond tradition as it reflects a continuing legacy where wisdom meets innovation and passion meets purpose.
Together, they carry forward the enduring spirit of San Beda Law, steadfast, transformative, and ever committed to the nation.
THE BARRISTER 