By: Sophia Pacheco
Photo courtesy of Roni Calupitan | The LANCE.
The Letran Legal Management Society (LLMS) held “Batas at Pananampalataya: A Thomistic Perspective on Catholic Social Teaching in Legal Practice” on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Mabini Hall, to discuss the relationship between law, faith, and moral responsibility in legal practice.
The event, organized in celebration of the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas in partnership with the Political, Legal, and Social Sciences (PLSS) Area, Campus Ministry Office, and Religious Education, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of how Catholic teachings influence legal ethics and social justice.
LLMS President Raine Ashley Ranjo delivered the opening remarks, followed by Public Attorney Ramon Antonio C. Sabinorio, who emphasized that law must be reasonable and guided by moral truth.
He cited St. Thomas Aquinas in explaining that faith and reason should work together and reminded participants that justice is practiced not only in courtrooms.
“Faith and reason walk together, and when law is rooted on moral growth it becomes a force of liberation, rather than oppression,”
The first speaker, Mr. Joseph Brian S. Ramos, Catechist and Educator, discussed the role of conscience in legal ethics, describing it as a “stout” inner voice that guides moral decisions.
He highlighted the importance of prayer, integrity, and perseverance in facing challenges in the legal profession.
Asst. Prof. Michael John Maglaque, Community Extension Department (CED) Director, served as the second speaker and talked about the common good and social justice from a Thomistic perspective.
He explained the principles of solidarity and preferential options for the poor in relation to the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
"Whatever you do to one member of community, it has a ripple effect, kaya dapat ‘yung law, hindi lang para sayo kundi para sa lahat,” he shared.
During the panel discussion, speakers underscored the importance of acting against wrongdoing and extending justice beyond the courtroom.
"Napaka-importante na you must do something, if something is not correct. Ang justice, hindi lang sa courtroom, you should go beyond the courtroom.” Atty. Sabinorio shared.
In the closing remarks, Inst. John Renzo Espinosa, PLSS Chairperson, encouraged students to practice law with both faith and compassion, emphasizing that future legal professionals must uphold truth, mercy, and humanity in their work.
“Our task is to ensure that the law that someday we will practice, reflects both truth and mercy. Firm in justice, yet deeply human."