DOJAC empowers Nueva Ecija law students with justice lecture series
Law and criminology students from Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, attend their first-ever lecture series organized by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) Region III.
MANILA, Philippines – A total of 51 law students and 39 criminology students from Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, attended their first-ever lecture series organized by the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) Region III, in collaboration with the John Wesley School of Law and Governance (JWSLG) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Nueva Ecija Chapter.
Senior Assistant Provincial Prosecutor (SAPP) Ricardo Atanacio Jr. discussed the fundamentals of preliminary investigation and inquest, while Atty. Benjamin Earl V. Hernal tackled the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175 of 2012), focusing specifically on cyber libel and its key provisions. JWSLG Dean (Ret.) Judge Inocencio B. Sagun Jr. proudly highlighted that Hernal himself was a product of JWSLG, emphasizing the growing legacy of the institution.
Following the lectures, the program proceeded to an open forum where students eagerly asked questions and sought clarifications, which were addressed by SAPP Atanacio, Atty. Hernal, and DOJAC Program Director ASP Joan Carla V. Guevarra.
Before the program concluded, ASP Guevarra provided a brief overview of DOJAC’s functions and services through an audio-visual presentation, reinforcing the center’s commitment to making legal assistance more accessible to Filipinos.
In a special message, DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who is leading DOJAC’s initiatives, called on the students to listen not just with their ears, but with their conscience—and to use their voices not to argue, but to build, uplift, and defend. Gutierrez expressed hope that the lecture would plant seeds of justice that would benefit not just a few, but the entire nation.
A staunch advocate of accessible justice and the rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), Gutierrez has consistently carried this message in her various engagements. Earlier this month, during the 45th Induction and Turnover Ceremonies of the JCI Manilena Board of Directors, she encouraged women leaders to champion justice, equality, and progress—and to work towards a future where no Filipino is left behind.
Echoing Gutierrez’s vision, ASP Guevarra concluded the DOJAC Lecture Series by motivating students to use their future roles as lawyers and police officers to make real and equal justice a reality for every Filipino.
