Faculty of Canon Law

Faculty of Canon Law

Degree Programs

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Faculty of Canon Law (1733)

Degree Programs

Doctor of Canon Law

Licentiate in Canon Law

Bachelor of Canon Law

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Admission

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The Faculty of Canon Law is primarily open to future members of the diocesan clergy. However, they are also open to religious men and women and lay persons, provided they meet the required qualifications (Sapientia Christiana, art. 31 and UST-Ecclesiastical Faculties’ Statutes, art. 21).

To be admitted to the Faculty, clerics and religious must present a written permission from their respective Ordinary or Superior. Laypersons seeking admission to the Faculty should present a certificate of good moral character and a letter of recommendation from their respective Local Ordinary (Statutes, art. 18, n. 2).

The regulations for admission in the Faculty of Canon Law, in accordance with the latest provisions of Sapientia Christiana are the following:

  1. Those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology, including those who already hold an academic degree in civil law, must complete the first cycle, lasting for four semesters or two years (cf. Norms, art. 76). “Students who prove they have studied some of the subjects of the first cycle at an appropriate faculty or university institute may be dispensed from them” (cf. Norms, art. 57, 1).
  2.  “Students who successfully completed the philosophical-theological curriculum in a seminary or in a theological faculty can be admitted immediately into the second cycle, unless the Dean deems it necessary or opportune, prior to their admittance, to require that they take a preliminary course in Latin or in the fundamental concepts of Canon Law” (cf. Norms, art. 57, 1).
  3. “Students who hold an academic degree in civil law may be dispensed from some courses of the second cycle (such as Roman Law and Civil Law), but may not be exempt from the three-year curriculum of studies for the Licentiate” (cf. Norms, 57, 2).

It is a requirement for admission that the applicant has a good command of the English language and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language.

All applicants must present valid credentials testifying their previous studies including their training in philosophy and theology. All new students must submit upon admission, other than the written recommendation of the Major Superior or Ordinary, the following documents: a) Certificate of Good Moral Character and/or Honorable Dismissal from the previous school; b) Official Transcript of Records.

All applicants to the Faculty of Canon Law, unless they have already earned a degree from the other two Ecclesiastical Faculties, must take and pass the entrance examination. The entrance examination is normally composed of the Mental Ability Test, English Test, Latin Test, and Essay Test (two theses on Theology). Other items may be added depending on the recommendation of the Admission Committee.

No student may be admitted into the Faculty of Canon Law to work for a degree simultaneously with another academic degree from another faculty (General Statutes, University of Santo Tomas, 2000, art. 63, no. 4).

The admission of students to the Faculty is processed by the Admission Committee, whose functions are the following (Statutes, art. 18, no. 3):

  1. To evaluate the academic records and other pertinent credentials of applicants;
  2. To administer the entrance examination when deemed opportune;
  3. To propose to the Dean who, among the applicants, may be admitted after due verification of their qualifications.

The Admission Committee is composed of the Dean of the Faculty as Chair, and one Faculty member elected by the Faculty Council, and the Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Faculties as members. In the admission of diocesan resident seminarians, the Rector of the Central Seminary should also be a member of this Committee.

SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAMS AND DEGREES

A. First Cycle: Preparatory Program

This cycle is preparatory for admission to the Licentiate program in Canon Law, since it is intended for those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology. The cycle lasts for four (4) semesters or two (2) years.

  • Written permission from their respective Ordinary or delegate. Laypersons seeking admission to the Faculty shall present a letter of recommendation or a certificate of good moral character from their respective local Ordinary;
  • Must have a working knowledge in Latin or must at least be willing to learn Latin;
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • Must take and pass the entrance examination.

B. Second Cycle: Bachelor/Licentiate in Canon Law

The second cycle provides an in-depth study of the books of the Code of Canon Law and related disciplines, an introduction to the Code of Canons of Eastern Churches, Latin and other optional courses or exercises required by the Faculty (cf. Norms, 56, 2). Likewise, students are required to learn the methods of scientific research in the preparation of a written dissertation. The duration of this cycle is six semesters or three years, and ends with the conferment of the degree of Licentiate in Canon Law.

  • Applicants who successfully completed the philosophical-theological curriculum in a seminary or in a theological faculty can be admitted immediately into the second cycle, unless the Dean deems it necessary or opportune, prior to their admittance, to require that they take a preliminary course in Latin or in the fundamental concepts of canon law (Norms of Application, art.57, no. 1);
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • No applicant will be admitted unless s/he takes and passes the entrance examination.
  • All applicants must submit a written permission from the respective Ordinary or delegate. Laypersons seeking admission to the Faculty shall present a letter of recommendation or a good moral character from their respective local Ordinary;
  • Only the applicants who have a good command of the English language and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language may be admitted;

C. Third Cycle: Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D)

Lasting for at least two (2) semesters or one (1) year, this cycle aims to bring students to perfect the canon law training necessary for scholarly research in view of preparing a doctoral dissertation and to interpret correctly the sources of law. In addition to Canonical Latin, students are required to take at least two (2) additional special courses or seminars and the corresponding units in thesis writing, complemented by a relevant and well-elaborated thesis, which must be the product of scholarly work and a contribution to the progress of the science of Canon Law (cf. Sapientia Christiana, 76c, Norms 56, 3).

  • Only those who have obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law in an Ecclesiastical Faculty with a grade of above average will be accepted for the third cycle;
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • Must take and pass the entrance examination unless the applicant has already graduated from any degree conferred by any of the three Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University.
  • Written Recommendation/Permission from the Ordinary or Major Superior;
  • Must have a command of the English language and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language;
SCHOLARSHIPS

Students are given appropriate scholarship for their studies. All are however required to pay miscellaneous fees.

  • For students residing in the Central Seminary, 100% discount on tuition fees.
  • For ordinary students who are seminarians, religious members or clerics with full load, 50% discount on tuition fees.
  • For other students, 20% on tuition fees.

Students will also be required to pay other fees which include examination fees, thesis defense fee, adviser’s fee, and others.

Tuition, miscellaneous, examination and other fees vary from year to year and are based on the University’s computation of the charges.

Tuition, miscellaneous, examination and other fees vary from year to year and are based on the University’s computation of the charges.

TRANSFEREES

As a matter of general policy, the Faculty of Canon Law does not accept transferees. In meritorious cases, however, the matter will be referred to the Admission Committee.

Students

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

Students in the Faculty of Canon Law are classified as follows:

  • Ordinary– those who pursue courses for the purpose of obtaining a degree;
  • Special – those who take up individual subjects, either main or auxiliary, for their own advancement and without the intention of working for academic degrees;
  • Auditors– those who attend classes in individual subjects or courses without obtaining credit.
DISCIPLINE

Students admitted to and enrolled in the Faculty of Canon Law are bound by that token to abide by and comply with all rules, regulations, policies and requirements of the institution. Students found wanting in the observance of rules, regulations, policies and requirements, particularly the observance of the study program, the attendance at classes and the taking of examinations shall be subject to commensurate disciplinary action as decided by the Dean or the Faculty Council.

In cases of grave violation of regulations, students may be suspended or even expelled from the Faculty. However, the students involved shall always be given the chance to defend themselves and thus, to safeguard their rights in accordance with the procedure established in the Student Handbook of the University.

All complaints against students’ misdemeanor should be formally forwarded to the Office of the Dean who shall initiate the investigation, and possibly determine the proper disciplinary action whenever applicable.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

To provide the students with an adequate forum for student dialogue, with a venue to exercise co-responsibility in their formation and with a representative body for their participation in the life of the Ecclesiastical Faculties, they shall have a Student Council to be governed by the rules of the Church and the University.

Through the Student Council and its various commissions, the students shall be encouraged to organize academic, cultural, liturgical and community-service activities. These and other related activities, particularly the academic, are to be supervised by the Administration of the Faculty according to the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity.

Academic Degrees

The cyclical courses of study offered in the Faculty lead to the following degrees:

  • Bachelor (JCB): This degree is conferred after having successfully taken all the courses prescribed for the second cycle.
  • Licentiate (JCL): The conferment of the degree takes place upon completion of the second cycle with a written thesis under the guidance of a moderator, a written comprehensive examination on the entire Code of Canon Law and a successful oral examination before a panel of three examiners appointed by the Dean. Students must have a general weighted average of not lower than 2.000 by the end of their second year (4 semesters) for them to qualify to the Licentiate program. After completing all the required courses, no student will be allowed to take the examination for the degree unless he/she maintains this general weighted average (2.000).
  • Doctorate (JCD): This degree is obtained after a successful completion of the third cycle, complemented by the public defense of a well-elaborated thesis before a five-member panel appointed by the Dean and a Lectio Coram before the same panel.

As a matter of general policy, enrollees for the Licentiate or Doctorate degree must be able to finish the program within five (5) years following their enrollment. Those who do not meet the prescribed period may be required to take refresher courses to be determined by the Dean.

Programs and Degrees

FIRST CYCLE: PREPARATORY PROGRAM

Course Description

  • This cycle is preparatory for admission to the Licentiate program in Canon Law since it is intended for those who have no previous training in philosophy or theology. The cycle lasts for four (4) semesters or two (2) years.

Admission Requirements

  • Written permission from their respective Ordinary or delegate. Laypersons seeking admission to the Faculty shall present a letter of recommendation or a certificate of good moral character from their respective local Ordinary;
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • Must have a working knowledge in Latin or must at least be willing to learn Latin;
  • Must take and pass the entrance examination.

Courses Offered

SECOND CYCLE: BACHELOR/LICENTIATE IN CANON LAW

Course Description

  • The second cycle provides an in-depth study of the books of the Code of Canon Law and related disciplines, an introduction to the Code of Canons of Eastern Churches, Latin and other optional courses or exercises required by the Faculty (cf. Norms, 56, 2). Likewise, students are required to learn the methods of scientific research in the preparation of a written dissertation. The duration of this cycle is six semesters or three years, and ends with the conferment of the degree of Licentiate in Canon Law.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants who successfully completed the philosophical-theological curriculum in a seminary or in a theological faculty can be admitted immediately into the second cycle, unless the Dean deems it necessary or opportune, prior to their admittance, to require that they take a preliminary course in Latin or in the fundamental concepts of canon law (Norms of Application, art.57, no. 1);
  • All applicants must submit a written permission from the respective Ordinary or delegate. Laypersons seeking admission to the Faculty shall present a letter of recommendation or a good moral character from their respective local Ordinary;
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • Only the applicants who have a good command of the English language and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language may be admitted;
  • No applicant will be admitted unless s/he takes and passes the entrance examination..

Courses Offered

Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor (JCB): This degree is conferred after the completion of the courses prescribed for the second cycle.

Licentiate (JCL): This degree is conferred upon the completion of the three-year second cycle (with a general weighted average of 2.000), submission of a written thesis under the guidance of a Moderator, a written comprehensive examination on the entire Code of Canon Law, a successful oral examination (including the thesis defense) before a panel of three examiners appointed by the Dean.

A student must have a general weighted average of 2.000 by the end of his/her second year for the second cycle for him/her to be admitted to the Licentiate program. He/she needs to maintain this general weighted average in order for him/her to qualify for the examinations for the degree (written comprehensive examination and oral thesis defense). Those with lower general weighted average may only be eligible to pursue the Bachelor’s degree in Canon Law.

Candidates for the Licentiate in Canon Law must have successfully presented and defended a written thesis in front of a three-member panel appointed by the Dean; he must also have accomplished the post-defense requirements:

  • submission of the revised dissertation based on the recommendation of the Examiners; this must be accompanied by the accomplished approval sheet and certificate of originality;
  • submission of three (3) sets of soft copies of the thesis stored in separate CD’s; and
  • submission of two (2) hard bound copies of the thesis.

The final grade for the Licentiate in Canon Law is composed of the general weighted average (1/3), comprehensive written examination (1/3), written evaluation of the content of the thesis and the oral defense of the thesis (1/3);

Guidelines for the Written Comprehensive Examination

Candidates for the Licentiate in Canon Law, after having submitted the approved thesis, should apply for the written comprehensive examination;

On the day of the examination, the candidate will pick three questions (by lottery) from all the theses prepared for the written comprehensive examination; of the three theses, the student shall comprehensively answer only one question for a period of two hours.

The examination paper will then be forwarded by the Dean to two examiners who will evaluate the answers using the following grading system.

Download: Canon Law Guidelines

Thesis Writing and Post-defense Requirements

  • For thesis writing and post-defense requirements, see it here.
THIRD CYCLE: DOCTORATE IN CANON LAW (J.C.D.)

Course Description

Lasting for at least two (2) semesters or one (1) year, this cycle aims to bring students to perfect the canon law training necessary for scholarly research in view of preparing a doctoral dissertation and interpreting correctly the sources of law. In addition to Canonical Latin, students are required to take at least two (2) additional special courses or seminars and the corresponding units in thesis writing, complemented by a relevant and well-elaborated thesis, which must be the product of scholarly work and a contribution to the progress of the science of Canon Law (cf. Sapientia Christiana, 76c, Norms 56, 3).

Admission Requirements

  • Only those who have obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law in an Ecclesiastical Faculty with a grade of Cum Laude will be accepted for the third cycle;
  • Written Recommendation/Permission from the Ordinary or Major Superior;
  • International students must accomplish all the legal requirements to pursue their studies in the University;
  • Must have a command of the English language and a suitable knowledge of the Latin language;
  • Must take and pass the entrance examination. 

Courses Offered

Requirement for the Degree

  • Must have completed the courses prescribed for the third cycle (a grade of 1.75 is required for a course to be credited in the Doctorate program);
  • Must have successfully presented and defended a dissertation in front of a five-member panel appointed by the Dean;
  • Must have accomplished the Lectio Coram;
  • Must have accomplished the post-defense requirements (please check the above-guidelines for the Post-Defense Requirements).
  • The final grade for the Doctorate in Canon Law is composed of Evaluation of the Written Thesis (40%), Oral Defense Grade (40%) and Lectio Coram (20%).
  • No student may validly use the title Doctor of Canon Law unless he has accomplished the post-defense requirements.

Goals & Specific Purpose

Research Publication

Goals & Specific Purpose

Goals
  • To deepen the knowledge of Christian revelation and of matters connected with it;
  • To enunciate systematically the truth contained therein;
  • To consider in the light of revelation, the problems of the times, presenting them in a manner adapted to the local culture.

The Faculty of Canon Law shall cultivate and promote its own disciplines through scientific research, by establishing or availing itself of specialized research centers, by publishing scientific journals and collections, and by organizing and/or participating in scientific workshops or conferences.

The Faculty of Canon Law is entrusted by the Church with the task of preparing with special care students for the priestly ministry, for teaching the sacred sciences, and for the more arduous task of the apostolate (cf. Sapientia Christiana, Foreword, III). Furthermore, it is enjoined by the Church “to promote the continuing permanent education of the ministers of the Church” (cf. Ibid., art 3, #2).

The Faculty of Canon Law is closely connected with the mission of evangelization of the Church; hence, it has to collaborate effectively in the work of evangelization, in close communion with the Hierarchy of the universal as well as of the local Church, in its pastoral, doctrinal, ecumenical and missionary undertakings.

The work of evangelization is primarily directed to the understanding, defense and diffusion of faith within the whole context of culture and human society (cf. Sapientia Christiana, Norms of Application, art.3). As a primary component of the University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, the Faculty of Canon Law shares in the University’s responsibility to be an educative community permeated with the spirit of freedom and charity (cf. Gravissimum Educationis, 8).

Specific Purpose

The Faculty of Canon Law has for its purpose the study and promotion of ecclesiastical juridical disciplines in the light of the Gospel and the molding of students in the spirit of Church Law, so that they may be prepared for scientific research, for the development, interpretation, and teaching of the same in seminaries, houses of studies and universities, and to train people for professional practice in diocesan and religious curia as well as for holding special ecclesiastical posts. The Faculty of Canon Law shall with special interest search for ways to harmonize the difference between the laws of the Church and those of the State.

Research Publication

The Philippiniana Sacra is the official publication of the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. It is published three times a year with an Ecclesiastical Approval.

Articles written in English, Spanish, Latin, and Filipino (with English translation) and focusing on Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law are welcome. Submitted manuscripts are subjected to a qualitative assessment of the editorial board and double-blind review.

The Philippiniana Sacra is presently a Commission on Higher Education-recognized research journal, with Category A-2 rank.

Updates

Student Organizations

Patron Saint

Updates

Student Organizations

Patron Saint

ST. RAYMOND OF PEÑAFORT

(ca. 1175-1275), priest          

Patron of the UST Faculty of Canon Law and the UST Faculty of Civil Law

Feast Day: January 7

Belonging to a noble family of Peñafort, Raymond was born in Barcelona, Spain around 1175. He became a distinguished theologian and professor of Canon Law at the University of Bologna; and while there, he joined the Order of Preachers in 1222. Eventually, he was ordained to the priesthood and became a celebrated Master of Canon Law. When Pope Gregory IX appointed him papal chaplain and penitentiary, he compiled and revised the papal Decretals, which was the basis of the Code of Canon Law of the Church until 1917. He had to rewrite and condense the decrees that had been multiplying for centuries. In 1235, he was named Archbishop of Tarragona but he was able to persuade the Pope to recall his appointment due to health reasons.

At the request of his brethren, he composed the famous Summa Casuum, a manual for confessors and preachers concerning the correct and fruitful administration of the Sacrament of Penance. In 1238, he was elected as the third Master of the Order and revised the Dominican Constitution (which was to remain in effect until 1924), but he resigned two years later also due to health reasons.  Retiring to Barcelona, he spent the next thirty-five years preaching, hearing confessions and working for the conversion of Jews. He studied the Koran to dialogue with Moslems, and introduced the study of Arabic and Hebrew into several Dominicans convents. Furthermore, it was at his request that St. Thomas Aquinas wrote the Summa Contra Gentiles to aid missionaries in explaining the Christian religion to, and defending it against, dissenting points of doctrine in Islam and Judaism. He died a centenarian in 1275 and was canonized by Pope Clement VIII in 1601.

The reputation of St. Raymond in juridical science and his immense contribution to the codification of the Canon Law underscore the virtues to be imitated by the UST Faculty of Canon Law and the UST Faculty of Civil Law. Established in 1681, the UST Faculty of Canon Law undertakes the work of evangelization to understand, defend and proclaim the faith within the context of culture and human society, collaborating effectively in its pastoral, doctrinal, ecumenical and missionary undertakings. Moreover, the UST Faculty of Civil Law, the oldest lay faculty in the Philippines (1734), continues to impart solid formation, imbued with Christian virtues and principles, and to serve the best interests of the profession, the nation and the Church.

 

Sources:

  • O’Kane, Michael, “St. Raymond of Peñafort,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 
  • John Paul II, Sapientia Christiana, On Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties, 1979.

Administrators

Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD

Dean

Asst. Prof. Warren S. Maneja, MA

Faculty Secretary

Faculty Council

Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD,

Chair (Ex-Officio)

Rev. Fr. Jose Ma. B. Tinoko, O.P., JCD,

Member

 

Rev. Fr. Honorato Castigador, O.P., SThL, JCL,

Member 

Rev. Fr. Julius Paul C. Factora, O.P., JCD,

Member

Rev. Fr. Romulo V. Rodriguez, O.P., JCD,

Member

Asst. Prof. Warren S. Maneja, MA

Secretary (Ex-Officio)

Faculty Members

Rev. Fr. Reynaldo J. Adalid, O.P., SThB, PhL

Sr. Esther Bravante, O.P., JCL

Rev. Fr. Romualdo P. Cabanatan Jr., O.P., JCL

Rev. Fr. Honorato C. Castigador, O.P., PhL, SThL, JCL

Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL

Rev. Fr. Julius Paul C. Factora, O.P., JCD

Rev. Fr. Danilo Flores, JUD

Rev. Msgr. Edgardo Pangan, JCD

Rev. Fr. Msgr. Bernardo R. Panitin, JCD

Rev. Fr. Roberto Ceferino N. Pinto, O.P., JCL

Rev. Fr. Romulo V. Rodriguez, O.P., JCD

Rev. Fr. Jose Ma. B. Tinoko, O.P., JCD

 

Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD

 Rev. Fr. Vicente R. Uy, JCD

Support Staff

Mrs. Cecilia Rebelyn Flores
Office Assistant
(SWDB and Community Development Coordinator / Student Activities)

Mr. Jefferson Ong

Office Clerk
(Student Records)

Mr. Aaron James Bautista

General Clerk
(Thesis Writing Concerns, Office Equipment, Job Requisitions)

Mrs. Nona Ong

Office Clerk
(Office Communications and Files)

History

The Ecclesiastical Faculties of Sacred Theology, Philosophy, and Canon Law have always been considered as integral components of the University of Santo Tomas, which Pope Leo XII proclaimed a Pontifical University on September 17, 1902 through the Constitution Quae Mari Sinico. Pope Pius XII, meanwhile, declared UST as “the Catholic University of the Philippines” in 1947.

Towards the end of the 17th century, when new buildings had been constructed and able men with Doctorate in Canon Law had come to join the professorial staff, the University obtained the Brief “Inscrutabili” from Innocent XI, dated August 7, 1681 whereby this Faculty, together with those of Civil Law and Medicine were erected. On January 17, 1682, the Faculty to teach the canons was granted to the Dominicans by the Master of the Order. King Charles II of Spain also recommended on November 22, 1682, the erection of the Faculty.

However, because of the political unrest then reigning in the Islands, the plan was not carried out, even if Archbishop Pardo, then Rector of the University, had already granted in 1689 the necessary financial aid for its maintenance. Early in the 18th century, in 1702 and again in 1715, the government maintained the establishment of a legal course, but which was however, suppressed in 1726.

Finally, on the 12th of November 1732, the School of Sacred Canons, with an enrollment of 41 students, was solemnly inaugurated, with a chair of Canon Law in place. The school was subsequently confirmed both by the King of Spain on October 23, 1733, and by Pope Clement XI with his Brief “Dudum emanarunt” of September 2, 1734.

The Faculty of Canon Law, along with the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Sacred Theology has also contributed in the intellectual formation of modern-day Catholic hierarchy and clergy in local Church of the Philippines and other Asian countries, particularly Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Some countries from Africa (those from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe and Oceania (particularly Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu) also send their seminarians and priests to complete their degree in Asia’s oldest existing Ecclesiastical Faculties.

Adapted from: Fr. Rodel E. Aligan, O.P., Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Fr. Jose Ma. B. Tinoko, O.P. in 400 @ 800: A Tribute to the 8th Centenary of the Order of Preachers (1216-2016), published by the University of Santo Tomas.