The San Sebastian College of Law strongly denied statements made by Ramil Madriaga questioning the academic capability of Vice President Sara Duterte during her years as a law student.
In an interview, Atty. Ted Pastrana, dean of the law school, said allegations that Duterte entered and passed law school due to family influence were not true.
Pastrana emphasized that in the field of law, intelligence and hard work are the true foundations of success, not family name or social status.
He explained that many children of well-known personalities have studied at their institution, but all are treated as ordinary students without special privileges.
According to Pastrana, no special favors are given to any student, regardless of background or family connections.
He added that it would be impossible for a law school to allow a student to pass solely because of connections, noting that such claims would be an insult to the integrity of legal institutions.
The issue stemmed from a hearing conducted by the House Justice Committee on April 14, where Madriaga stated in his affidavit that Duterte allegedly struggled academically during her time as a student.
Madriaga also claimed that Duterte was “habitually rude” and “violent” toward fellow students.
Earlier, Duterte criticized Ramil Madriaga and referred to him as a “bar flunker,” while also alleging that he was involved in a kidnapping case.
The matter remains part of ongoing discussions linked to statements presented during the House Justice Committee hearing.
