Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court Manila

MEMORANDUM FOR:

All Concerned Office

For your information, attached is a photocopy of the letter dated February 19, 2001 of Ms. Ester A. Garcia, Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) informing the Honorable Chief Justice that the CHED has accredited the degree of Bachelor of Laws with corresponding Bar eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's Degree per its en banc Resolution No. 038-2001, a copy of which is likewise attached. Parenthetically, the said Resolution includes the degree of Doctor of Medicine with corresponding board eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's degree.

March 15, 2001

EDEN T. CANDELARIA Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer

Copy furnished: Office of the Chief Justice Offices of the Associate Justices Philippine Judicial Academy Judicial and Bar Council Office of the Court Administrator Office of the Clerk of Court Offices of the Division Clerks of Court Office of Administrative Services Office of the Chief Attorney Office of the Reporter Judicial Records Office Office of the Bar Confidant Management Information Systems Office Fiscal Management & Budget Office Medical and Dental Services Library Services Printing Services

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

February 19, 2001 HONORABLE HILARIO DAVIDE, JR. Chief Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines Padre Faura Street corner Taft Avenue Ermita, Manila

Dear Chief Justice Davide:

I am pleased to inform your good office of the en banc decision of the Commission on Higher Education on the accreditation of Bachelor of Laws (LI.B.) with bar eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's Degree per attached Resolution No. 038, Series of 2001. The rationale behind this is that Bachelor of Laws is a higher degree requiring completion of a first bachelor's degree before proceeding to the professional degree program.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) as per Memorandum Circular No. 1-A, Series of 1997, likewise recognizes degree holders of Bachelor of Laws with bar eligibility for permanent appointment to Division Chief positions provided that applicants meet other requirements of the post. This is further supported by an earlier ruling of the CSC which considers an applicant who is at least a holder of a Master's Degree qualified for the post of Division Chief.

In view of the above CHED policy and rationale, any other master's degree earned by the individual relative to the discipline of law is considered equivalent to a second or third Master's degree as the case may be.

Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

ESTER A. GARCIA Chairperson