07/11/2025
Putting theory into practice! We are thrilled to recap our 2nd Expert Witness Mock Trial from this past Friday, October 17th. Our graduate and undergraduate interns stepped out of the clinic and into a realistic courtroom setting at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA College of Law Moot Court.
The success of this trial would not have been possible without the brilliant facilitation and mentorship of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Nikki Rose D. Esperanza, LL.M, MSPsy. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and for so generously sharing her invaluable expertise with our interns. We also extend our gratitude to Atty. Lester Del Castillo and Atty. Donn Abrazaldo for sharing their invaluable legal insights, and to Judge Esperanza's law students for their sharp and rigorous cross-examinations.
Under their guidance, our graduate interns rose to the occasion as expert witnesses, applying their clinical knowledge to two distinct and complex cases while being tested by Judge Esperanza's law students:
- Civil Case: A petition for nullity of marriage on the grounds of psychological incapacity.
- Criminal Case: The defense of battered woman syndrome as an exempting circumstance.
The event was graced by our own associate professionals, Dr. Eric Amion, Dr. Pricila Marzan, Ms. Tricia Zafra, and Ms. Florence Culaba. We were also honored by the presence of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Graduate School delegations headed by Dr. Elmer G. De Jose (Dean). With him were Dr. Aimee Rose A. Manda (Chair, PhD Psychology), Dr. Geraldine F. Santos (Chair, MA Psychology), Dr. Christoper F. Sasot (Quality Assurance Coordinator), and Dr. Jose M. Abat (Chief, Admission and Registration Services Section).
Our event was made even more special by the presence of Lt. Col. Hemilyn Tamayo. We are so grateful for her time and encouragement.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA College of Law and Atty. Lawrenz Matthew Guevara for making this collaboration possible. Congratulations to all!
