All student governments —albeit they vary, with their own cultures and objectives — stand on common ground, bound by the principles of ethical leadership and public trust.
It is basic knowledge that a university aims to prepare students for life beyond its comfort and borders. Likewise, student governments, as well as other clubs and organizations, mirror their national counterparts, training students under the expectations held of them outside. However, in recent years, with the current political landscape in the Philippines, public trust in the government and its institutions has run thin, and dismay has overcome the masses. For students and student leaders, while they may be introduced to legal concepts and processes, there is undeniably limited opportunity to contextualize them within real-life scenarios, especially since the majority of national leaders fall short as good examples.
The DLSU USG Judiciary, with its flagship project of the year, Sine Qua Non 2026: Principles of Public Trust: From Student Governance to the Halls of Justice, aims to address this gap in practical understanding. Happening this July 8, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Brother Andrew Gonzales Multipurpose Hall, the event aspires to help students contextualize legal concepts, understand the principles of public trust, and empower student leaders and those who aspire to be to prioritize ethical leadership.
Contextualizing Legal Concepts
Learning and leadership are indispensable to each other. Understanding legal principles in theory is a given, but effective leaders must know how they apply in actual decision-making. Recently, concepts such as due process, accountability, and the rule of law have become fixtures in national discourse. The same principles that guide courts and public institutions likewise shape the governance of student organizations but are often reduced to political rhetoric or viewed as matters reserved for actual lawyers or those with official titles. How, then, can students move beyond simply knowing these principles to applying them responsibly in the decisions they make?
To provide a perspective that bridges theory and practice, the USG JD welcomes someone close to home, Atty. Andrei V. Elinzano, an instructor from the Department of Commercial Law. Drawing from his background in both legal education and student governance, Atty. Elinzano will contextualize principles such as due process, accountability, and institutional responsibility, demonstrating how they translate from legal doctrine into ethical and effective leadership within the university.
Understanding Principles of Trust
Public trust is the foundation of every institution, yet in recent years, Filipinos have expressed an overwhelming decline in their confidence in government institutions and officials. Accountability remains something the public continues to demand—and rightfully so—yet inconsistency has left the public accustomed to disappointment. As cases of corruption and abuse of power continue to dominate national discourse, public trust in the rule of law has likewise been eroded. Beyond recognizing public trust as a principle, this begs a more pressing question: What does it truly mean to uphold the principles of public trust?
Contributing their knowledge to this discussion is Mr. Cedrick Sagun, Administrative Officer II at the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines. Drawing on his experience in public administration, he is expected to share insights on the importance of institutional integrity, adherence to due process, and the responsibility of ensuring public trust through ethical and accountable service. His perspective will shed light on how everyday administrative decisions contribute to stronger institutions and more responsible leadership.
Joining him is Undersecretary Atty. Margarita N. Gutierrez of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Having led the DOJ Action Center in providing accessible legal assistance to Filipinos and previously serving at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Atty. Gutierrez will bring extensive experience in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance. Her discussion will demonstrate how ethical leadership extends beyond policy-making and into meaningful public service that directly impacts communities.
Public trust demands integrity and accountability and serving one’s constituents. It is not simply a legal obligation. Through this discussion, participants will deepen their understanding of these principles and examine how they should be practiced within student leadership and, if they aspire to, in their future public offices.
Learning Ethical Leadership
Institutions are only as credible as the integrity of the people who lead them. As future leaders continue to be shaped within universities, student governments are likewise expected to uphold the same standards of ethical conduct demanded of national leaders. Yet ethical leadership is not as simple as avoiding evil.
Sharing these insights is Hon. Associate Justice Emily L. San Gaspar-Gito of the Court of Appeals (CA), whose nearly three decades of distinguished service in the Philippine Judiciary have been hailed for its excellence and integrity. A multi-awarded jurist recognized by both the Supreme Court and the City of Manila, she has likewise dedicated herself to legal education as a professor, bar reviewer, and lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA). Through her experiences, Justice San Gaspar-Gito will offer valuable insights on how ethical leadership and competence foster public trust and strengthen the very institutions one works for.
Joining her and the rest of the panel is Hon. Associate Justice Galapate-Laguilles, also an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, whose career reflects nothing short of a commitment to the rule of law and judicial excellence. Beyond her work on the bench, she serves in leadership positions within both the CA and PHILJA, while also mentoring future members of the legal profession. With expertise in remedial law and judicial ethics, it positions her to discuss the standards of behavior expected of those entrusted with authority, demonstrating how these principles serve as the cornerstone of ethical leadership and public trust.
As the flagship initiative of the DLSU USG Judiciary for AY 2025–2026, Sine Qua Non 2026: Principles of Public Trust: From Student Governance to the Halls of Justice will be a platform for meaningful dialogue between students and distinguished practitioners in law and public service. The event aspires to cultivate a generation of student leaders who not only understand the responsibilities entrusted to them, but are also prepared to uphold public trust both within the university and beyond.