Cease and desist order issued for SLU’s Master of Laws program

Saint Louis University in Baguio city (File picture from NEIL CLARK ONGCHANGCO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Legal Education Board (LEB) has issued a cease and desist order on Thursday against Saint Louis University (SLU) – School of Law for offering an unauthorized Master of Laws program.

According to LEB, the Baguio-based university violated Section 55.5 of its Memorandum Order Number 1.

This section states that “in all cases, the Graduate School of Law must submit to the Board its program and course of study for approval prior to offering a graduate program.”

“The unauthorized offering of academic programs without proper accreditation or approval not only endangers the quality of the education being offered but also raises significant concerns about the welfare of students who may be enrolled therein,” LEB said in a statement.

“It is, thus, essential that all educational institutions comply with the applicable regulatory requirements and adhere to the standards set to ensure the academic success of their students,” the board added.

LEB said the university’s law school has to immediately stop the operation of its unauthorized Master of Laws program.

The board noted it will monitor the situation closely to ensure that SLU will address the matter and protect the interests of the students.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued Friday evening, SLU said that they will be filing a motion for reconsideration within the day concerning the matter. Classes in the program will continue to be held, it said.

LEB regulates legal education in the Philippines.

This is mandated by Republic Act 7662 or the Legal Education Reform Act of 1993.

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