Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc.

11/05/2026

Why "Colorum” Identities Exist and Why Many Filipinos Still Struggle for the Right to A Name And Nationality

CELLA CARES ACCESS TO JUSTICE FREE LEGAL AID MISSION
8 May 2026 | Municipality of Badian, Cebu

From 4:00 AM, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. (CELLA) led by President Mary Grace Hermosa Casano, together with a group of legal aid volunteers supporting CELLA, traveled for hours from Cebu City to Badian to hold the CELLA CARES Access to Justice Free Legal Aid Mission from 8:00 AM to almost 7:00 PM.

It was a long and full-packed but deeply fulfilling day for the legal aid team serving farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, youth, and underserved communities needing assistance in birth registration and in organizing farmers’ and fisherfolk associations so they can finally access the benefits and recognition meant for them.

The painful reality? Some people can cross borders and even fraudulently secure identities with ease, while many ordinary Filipinos still struggle for something so basic — a birth certificate, a legal identity, a name recognized by the law, and proof that they belong to their own country.

For many rural families, existence itself is a struggle to prove. Even registering a birth means overcoming poverty, distance, lack of documents, and systems that are difficult to navigate. Even organizing legitimate associations for farmers and fisherfolk can feel impossible without guidance.

CELLA has no funding for legal aid missions. No big sponsors. No political machinery. This mission was personally funded by the volunteers themselves — a team of legal aid volunteers led by Atty. Casano built through almost eight years of shared service, which has since become family, united by one mission: to bring justice to the least, the lost, the last, and the remotest, and to broaden access to justice, especially for those who cannot afford to reach it themselves.

Special thanks to the Municipality of Badian through Mayor Jerome Christian Librando, its Public Information Office, and Mr. Mario Cantila, for supporting and welcoming initiatives that bring legal aid and government services closer to the people.

Gratitude as well to the volunteers, CELLA Pres. Mary Grace Hermosa Casano, Atty. Esteban Pascua, Atty. Maria Fe Luna Solis, Atty. Edson Solis, Atty. Valentino C. Bacalso Jr., Atty. Janeth Duallo, Atty. Marichel B. Bayadog-Paye, Atty. Rienalyn Basilisco, Atty. Urso Ibañez.

Thank you as well to Brigada News and Atty. Juril Broka Patiño, and to XFM Cebu and Atty. Rey Gealon , for continuously helping amplify these initiatives and ensuring that legal aid and public services reach even the farthest communities.

Because legal identity is dignity.
And access to justice should never depend on your status, surname, or income.

11/05/2026

SECOND CHANCES DESERVE REAL OPPORTUNITIES
11 May 2026 | 9:30 AM | Cebu City Hall

SECOND CHANCES DO NOT END AT THE JAIL GATE.

One of the biggest reasons people fall back into crime or reoffend is simple: STIGMA. Society often gives parolees, probationers, and former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) no real chance to start again. No work. No opportunity. No community willing to trust them again.

That is why this proposed Cebu City ordinance matters. It seeks to give local tax incentives to employers willing to hire probationers — people trying to rebuild their lives, provide for their families, and become productive members of society again. Because meaningful justice does not end with release. It begins with someone finally being given a real second chance.

This is a collaborative effort of members of the Cebu City Justice Zone led by the University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance and its Law Student Practitioners deployed to one of its externship partners, Cebu City Parole and Probation Offices 1 and 2, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc., the BJMP Regional Office VII, and Cebu City Government — institutions working together through a whole-of-justice approach that recognizes that true peace and order is not achieved by punishment alone, but by rehabilitation, reintegration, and community support.

The draft ordinance was presented to the Cebu City LGU Chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Order, Hon. Pablo “Jong” Labra II, whose support highlights an important truth: safer communities are built not only through enforcement, but by creating pathways for people to change, heal, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

The meeting was likewise followed by a Cebu City Justice Zone (CCJZ) coordination meeting on the draft ordinance for the institutionalization of the Cebu City Justice Zone to strengthen long-term justice sector collaboration for more accessible, responsive, and community-centered justice systems.

In attendance:
• Hon. Pablo “Paul” Labra II — Cebu City Councilor and Chairperson, Committee on Peace and Order
• Hon. Anacleto G. Debalucos — Convenor, Cebu City Justice Zone; Executive Judge, RTC Cebu City
• Atty. Jose Glenn Capanas — Dean, University of San Carlos School of Law and Governance (USC SOLG); CCJZ Core Team Member
• Atty. Mary Grace Hermosa Casano — USC SOLG Co-CLEP Director; President, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association (CELLA); CCJZ TWG Core Team Member
• Hon. Florita L. Vitor — Regional Director, Parole and Probation Administration Regional Office VII
• CPPO Ludivina Libatan — Cebu City Probation Office II
• CPPO Christine Javier — Cebu City Probation Office I
Atty. Dennis Aliño - Chief, Legal Services Section
Chief, Paralegal Services Section, BJMPRO7
• USC SOLG Law Student Practitioners (LSPs):
- Sean San Antonio
- Michelle Pastor

30/04/2026

Brains, Banter, and Bragging rights.

From championing legal aid, to championing IBP Cebu City Chapter's first Trivia Night, the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. TEAM CELLA-HER proved that champions win with both heart and brains.

Powered by pure wit and CELLA confidence, the dream team led by team captain CELLA President Mary Grace Hermosa Casano, together with VP Georgia May Herrera Klepp, Director Maru Salvatierra, and Virginette May Mollaneda, took home the championship.

And because one win is never enough, our second team, TEAM CELLA-HIS, composed of Valentino C. Bacalso Jr., Edson Solis and Maria Fe Ariam Solis also made it to the podium, landing 3rd place (tie) with LAWSERS, while YLAC secured 2nd place.

From pro bono legal aid and legal briefs to a full-on trivia blitz—CELLA proves we don’t just know the law… we know even more with the right shot of tequila 😉🍹

We donated the combined value of the GC prizes of CELLA-HER and CELLA-HIS to support a person deprived of liberty (PDL) who urgently needed a one-month supply of medication for chronic kidney disease (CKD)—a medicine not available at the jail facility. The request came in while we were in the middle of the game

P.S. We thank our CELLA sisters for cheering and our sponsors and contributors-- Atty. Maru's husband Karlo Lubino, Pres. Gimbo Hernaez and his wife Zane Cuizon-Hernaez.

27/04/2026

CELLA SPOTLIGHT |
When Legal Voices Lead the Nation

The Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of our Immediate Past President, Atty. Regal Oliva, now the most followed anchor of PGMN—surpassing even Edu Manzano and Kelley Day across platforms, with over 2 million followers.

But beyond the numbers, this milestone matters for law, for service, and for justice.

Atty. Oliva exemplifies what CELLA has always stood for: that the law is not meant to remain confined in courtrooms, pleadings, or textbooks. It must be translated, humanized, and brought to the people.

Through her platform, she does what great legal aid work demands:
■ She breaks down complex constitutional and policy issues into language ordinary citizens can understand.

■ She bridges the gap between law and lived reality, highlighting how government decisions affect everyday lives.

■ She amplifies accountability, tackling issues like due process, jurisdiction, and institutional gaps with clarity and courage.

Her discussions from the ICC investigation on Rodrigo Duterte to the continuing debate on the absence of divorce in the Philippines reflect a deeper truth: legal knowledge, when shared, becomes empowerment.

For CELLA, this achievement affirms a principle we live by: Lawyering is not only advocacy in court—
it is education, it is empowerment, it is public service.

In an age of misinformation and noise, having a lawyer-anchor lead national discourse is not just a personal milestone. IT IS A PUBLIC GOOD.

This is the kind of leadership we aspire to cultivate: lawyers who show up, who speak truth with clarity, and who use every platform—courtroom, community, or camera—to serve.

We are proud of you, Atty. Regal.
Your voice carries not just influence but purpose.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DU1m7wzas/

PGMN Anchor Atty. Regal Oliva has overtaken Edu Manzano and Kelley Day as the network’s most followed anchor across platforms, with her in-depth legal and policy analysis drawing a wide audience.

Oliva now counts more than 2 million followers, using her background as a lawyer to break down complex national issues into direct, accessible discussions. Her episodes often focus on institutional gaps, constitutional questions and the real-world impact of government decisions.

Among her notable segments was her breakdown of the ICC case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, where she examined detention without conviction and raised questions of jurisdiction and due process.

Watch Atty. Regal Oliva’s full episode here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2136241600454819

She has also tackled the absence of divorce in the Philippines, explaining how current laws restrict legal options for Filipinos in failed or abusive marriages.

Manzano, one of the country’s most iconic actors and PGMN’s newest anchor, recently launched his episode on voter behavior and accountability, linking electoral choices to governance outcomes. Day, meanwhile, drew national attention with her debut episode opposing transgender participation in women’s athletics, examining fairness, evolving policies and the impact on competition.

Watch Edu Manzano's mega-viral episode on voter behavior here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1293552682869097

Watch Kelley Day's widely viewed episode on transgender participation in sports here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/798053669702891

24/04/2026

The Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. (CELLA) eechoes this timely reminder from CELLA Past President, Atty. Regal Oliva, on the responsible use of emergency privileges on the road.

The law demands due regard at all times—because every life matters. Even in moments of urgency, accountability and responsibility must remain. Road safety is not optional, and the law is never set aside.

24/04/2026

The Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. (CELLA) congratulates its Past President, Atty. Joyce Adlao, for serving as a distinguished panelist at this year’s Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) National Convention.

In a compelling fireside chat on the intersection of Pharmacy and Law, Atty. Adlao contributed to a meaningful and forward-looking discourse that highlights the growing convergence of legal frameworks and healthcare practice.

Her insights underscored a vital truth: that in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, the law does not merely govern—it empowers. It enables professionals, including pharmacists, to practice at the highest standards while safeguarding patient welfare, ethics, and accountability.

This engagement reflects the evolving role of the legal profession in shaping responsive, interdisciplinary systems that serve the public good.

CELLA takes pride in leaders who continue to bridge sectors, elevate conversations, and champion excellence beyond the courtroom.

18/04/2026

A Celebration of Life and Service
Posthumous Honoring & Tribute
ATTY. ARLINDA ZANORIA-FAMULAGA
(August 28, 1936 – April 10, 2026)
Charter President,
Cebu Lady Lawyers Association, Inc. (1987–1991)

With reverence and gratitude, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. (CELLA) gathered in prayer and remembrance to honor the life and legacy of our beloved Charter President, Atty. Arlinda Zanoria Famulaga.

Through moving poetry delivered by past presidents Atty. Maribelle Adelfa A. Navarro-Laude and Atty. Regal Oliva, heartfelt eulogies by Dean Corazon Valencia and Justice Marilyn Yap, and soul-stirring songs beautifully rendered by Atty. Rhea Senining Judilla—each moment carried both grief and grace, celebrating a life that brought the law closer to the people through service, leadership, and unwavering compassion.

In the culmination of the tribute, CELLA conferred its Posthumous Recognition upon Atty. Famulaga. Led by our 14th President, Atty. Mary Grace Hermosa Casano, together with the 14th Board of Officers and Directors, CELLA past presidents - Atty. Corazon Valencia, Justice Marilyn Lagura- Yap, Atty. Maribelle Adelfa Navarro-Laude, Atty. Sylvia Suarez, Atty. Cecilia B. Jugao-Adlawan, Judge Anna Marie Militante, Atty. Michelle Mendez-Palmares who also hosted the programme, and Atty. Regal M. Oliva., and though not physically present are with us in love and full support Atty. Melina Almase Martinez, Atty. Joje Z. Decal, Atty. Margarita Yu, and Fiscal Joyce Adlao, the Board Resolution was solemnly read and the Posthumous Plaque of Recognition was presented to her family—an offering of profound gratitude for a life of vision, courage, and service.

A life that shaped generations.
A legacy that continues to illuminate the path of law and service.

The acceptance and message from rhe family was delivered by Marge Famulaga

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POSTHUMOUS PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION

ATTY. ARLINDA ZANORIA FAMULAGA
(August 28, 1936 – April 10, 2026)
Charter President, CELLA

In profound gratitude and highest honor
for her vision, courage, and compassion
that shaped the foundation of CELLA
and advanced its mission of law and service.

Through “Ang Balaod Karon,” “Lingkod Bayan,” and “Lingkod Batas,” she brought the law closer to the people— making justice accessible, understandable, and real.

As Charter President, she built a community rooted in unity, mentorship, and enduring sisterhood in the legal profession.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she empowered,
the institutions she strengthened,
and the justice she helped make possible.

CELLA stands today because she dared to begin.

Given this 16th day of April 2026
Cebu City, Philippines

CEBU LADY LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
By the Authority of the 14th Board of Officers and Directors

Signed
Atty. Mary Grace H. Casano
President
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May we carry her light forward. 🕊

16 April 2026 | Thursday | 7:30 PM
Room 205, St. Peter Chapels, Imus, Cebu City

18/04/2026

As we closed Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc. Wake Mass and Posthumous Tribute and Honoring for our Charter President,
Atty. Arlinda Zanoria Famulaga,
we carry with us not only memories,
but a deeper sense of gratitude—
for a life that has guided, inspired,
and quietly shaped who we are today.

In moments like this,
when words begin to fall short,
we turn to prayer—
for comfort, for peace, and for hope.

A prayer for our dear Atty. Arly,
that she may now rest
in the fullness of God’s love.

A prayer for all of us who remain,
that we may continue the work she began—
with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.

And so, as our final offering,
we entrust everything into God’s hands
and allowed this song so beautifully rendered by CELLA Officer, Atty. Rhea Senining Judilla, as our shared prayer.

CCTO: “The Prayer”
A Celebration of Life and Service 🕊
Wake Mass and Posthumous Honoring & Tribute
for our beloved Charter President,
Atty. Arlinda Zanoria-Famulaga
(August 28, 1936 – April 10, 2026)
Charter President, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association, Inc. (1987–1991)
16 April 2026 (Thursday) 7:30 PM
Room 205, St. Peter Chapels, Imus, Cebu City

18/04/2026

IN MEMORIAM
A Celebration of Life and Service
Wake Mass and Posthumous Honoring & Tribute
ATTY. ARLINDA ZANORIA-FAMULAGA
(August 28, 1936 – April 10, 2026)
Charter President, Cebu Lady Lawyers Association, Inc. (1987–1991)
16 April 2026 | Thursday | 7:30 PM
Room 205, St. Peter Chapels, Imus, Cebu City

Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc..relived cherished memories,
moments that remind us
that while a life may come to rest,
its light continues to shine.
And as we hold these memories close,
we are reminded of a truth that comforts and uplifts—
that the love, the guidance, and the light
that Atty. Arly shared with all of us
do not fade with time,
but live on…
like the light of a million mornings.