May It Please the Court 2 Tips for Law Enforcement

The Information and Publication Division (IPD) of the University of the Philippines Law Center (UPLC) conducted the book launch of Atty. Sandra Marie Olaso-Coronel’s “May It Please the Court 2: Tips for Law Enforcement” at the Bocobo Hall, UP Diliman on January 22, 2024.

In her introduction of her book, Atty. Olaso-Coronel stated that, “This book advocates a change in mindset of law enforcement, from one of targeting that a case be closed upon acceptance by the prosecutor to seeing a case through to conviction of the accused.” Such advocacy was built through Atty. Olaso-Coronel’s more than 25 years of litigation practice and working with prosecutors from the Department of Justice and officers from the different law enforcement agencies.

In his opening message, University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo A. Jimenez asserted that the book is set to become an important resource stating that, “Whether you are a law student embarking on your journey to become a lawyer or a veteran litigator refining your craft, or an ordinary citizen having your day in court, I am confident that this book will serve as a companion, map, and source of inspiration for everyone, including, of course, law enforcers themselves.”

UP College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe acknowledged the strong partnership between the UP College of Law and government agencies in law enforcement, especially through the numerous law seminars conducted under the UP College of Law’s “Popularizing the Law” program. According to Dean Berberabe, “This latest publication by Prof. Sandy and the UP Law Center will surely make [such] partnership [with law enforcement] stronger.” She also affirmed the UPLC’s commitment to raising the legal literacy of Filipinos and in upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance through publications and resources that are relevant and insightful.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis H. Jardeleza believes this latest publication of the IPD will be another bestseller, following the highly successful “May It Please the Court: Litigation Tips,” also by Atty. Olaso-Coronel. “You know why? Because many defense counsels will buy it!” he said, adding he will make it a required reading for his students in Constitutional Law, especially on the topic of rights of the accused.

In his reaction to the book, Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Anthony D. Fadullon remarked on the “matrix of proof” form provided in the book that demonstrates how a case is built up for purposes of establishing in court the elements of the offense charged. “I believe this to be very helpful as it encourages our law enforcement officers to be more thorough in their investigation and gathering of evidence. This matrix of proof will serve as the blueprint of the case,” he said.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda also lauded this innovation and said, “The book shows the great advantage of using a matrix of proof by identifying the elements of a crime to be established. Distinctively, this book gives readers important advice on obtaining a conviction through ‘hot tips’ and ‘helpful tips’. It gives law enforcers pointers helpful in their careers, in the form of tips for thought.” Retired Regional Trial Court Judge Augusto Jose Y. Arreza has this to say, “I am most impressed by the matrix of proof which I find a very helpful tool in the prosecution of cases. It not only presents at a glance the case build-up, but also aides the prosecutor in the presentation of his case before the court.”

A toast, led by UP College of Law Dean’s Office Chief of Staff Atty. Marwil N. Llasos, was made for the success, wide readership, and important contribution of the book to the pillars of the Philippine criminal justice system. In his closing remarks, UP College of Law Associate Dean Solomon F. Lumba called the book Atty. Olaso-Coronel’s labor of love.

The book launch was well attended with around 100 guests, which included luminaries in the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and the UP community such as Permanent Court of Arbitration member Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña, Government Corporate Counsel Rogelio V. Quevedo, UP College of Law faculty members Ma. Gabriela R. Concepcion, Gabriel A. Dee, Donna Z. Gasgonia, Fina D. Tantuico, Ernestine D. Villareal-Fernando, Anthony Charlemagne C. Yu, Flordeliza C. Vargas-Trinidad, and Glenda T. Litong. Also present were NBI Director Medardo De Lemos, Area Police Command Western Mindanao Director Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, former NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula, MGen. Joel Napoleon Coronel (Ret.), PMGen. Eric E. Noble (Ret.), PBGen. Rodelio B. Jocson (Ret.), PBGen Danilo P. Macerin (Ret.), Ret. PBGen./Atty. Clarence V. Guinto, PCol. Richard R. Fiesta, and PCol. Lino Capellan.

The highly successful event was hosted by Atty. Froilyn P. Doyaoen-Pagayatan with the entire staff of the IPD, UPLC headed by Asst. Prof. Mike T. Tiu, Jr.

The book is available at the UPLC Book Room. Interested parties may call (02) 89205514 loc. 226 or 09054329700 or email ipdbookroom.uplc@gmail.com.