CIVIL Law Dean Nilo Divina on Tuesday said it was “unfair” for him to be included in disbarment proceedings in connection with the Aegis Juris Fraternity’s alleged cover-up of the hazing death of law freshman Horacio Castillo III, pointing out that he had exerted efforts to help in the investigation.
“I find it unfair and unjust to be dragged into this considering that by the evidence of the Senate I had no prior knowledge of the hazing incident, not a party to any cover-up or even mentioned in the group chat,” Divina said in a text message to the Varsitarian.
The law dean maintained that he did not do anything illegal or unethical in handling the hazing case.
“I have always maintained that I did not do anything illegal or unethical. I was even instrumental [to] the surrender of Mr. [John Paul] Solano which made the investigation move forward,” Divina said.
JUST IN: UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina's statement on the disbarment case filed against him before the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/hNtVGoMopS
— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) February 13, 2018
The Supreme Court has begun a probe into Divina and 20 other lawyers, all alumni of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, after the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Jan. 24 recommended disbarment proceedings.
A Senate probe had found that Aegis Juris alumni agreed to cover up Castillo’s death and even coordinated through an online messaging application.
In an en banc resolution released on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Supreme Court required all 21 respondents, including Divina and Faculty Secretary Arthur Capili, to comment on the matter within 10 days.
READ: Senate wants UST law dean disbarred for ‘mockery of the legal profession’ in Atio’s death
Aside from Divina, the following lawyers are also subjects of a disbarment complaint, according to the Supreme Court resolution:
Marvi Abo
Alston Kevin Anarna
Edzel Bert Canlas
Cecilio Jimeno
Ferdinand Rogelio
Eric Fuentes
Cesar Ocampo Ona
Gaile Dante Acuzar Caraan
Gem Dimaculangan
Alfonso Verzosa
Henry Pablo Jr
Jet de la Peña Villaroman
Cesar de la Fuente
Niño Kjell Servañez
Manuel Angelo Ventura III
Michael Vito
Arthur Capili
Irvin Joseph Fabella
Edwin Uy
Allan Christopeher Agati