Lipa City, Batangas – September 7, 2025. Two Legal Management students from the University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) successfully passed the final examination of the Certified Paralegals and Legal Researchers (CePL) Program – Batch 18, conducted and administered by the Certified Paralegals and Legal Researchers Training Center, Inc. (CPLR, INC.). Rhon Cedrick T. Morcilla emerged as Rank 1, while alumnus Mark Jaycell Anthony A. Mabalot also earned his CePL certification.
The CePL Program is recognized as the Philippines’ pioneering paralegal certification training, providing comprehensive learning opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. It is designed to equip enrollees with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical competence in preparation for careers as paralegals, legal researchers, and allied quasi-legal professionals in both private and government sectors.
Founded by practicing lawyers, law professors, and seasoned paralegals, CPLR, INC. holds the distinction of being the first-ever institution in the Philippines offering paralegal certification and affiliation. Its mission is to empower legal support professionals through structured training while fostering access to justice and professional integrity. The institution’s vision is to advance the professional standards of paralegals and legal researchers across the nation, bridging the gap between legal resources and communities.
The significance of these certifications comes at a time when the Philippines continues to explore the professionalization of paralegal work. While the profession remains largely unregulated, Senate Bill No. 1071 filed in the 18th Congress sought to establish a regulatory framework for paralegals, create a Professional Regulatory Board of Paralegals, and implement a licensure examination. Although the bill has yet to be enacted into law, initiatives such as the CePL Program provide aspiring paralegals with valuable training, ethical grounding, and professional recognition that align with the objectives of proposed legislation.
The program stands out for its emphasis on practical legal education, covering the preparation of legal documents, representation in barangay conciliation proceedings and small claims cases, legal research, investigation, and coordination with government agencies. CPLR, INC. has been incorporated with state recognition through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and with a roster of lecturers composed of lawyers actively engaged in litigation and legal education.
The success of UBLC Legal Management students in this national-level certification underscores the University’s commitment to providing its students with meaningful pre-law experiences and opportunities for career advancement. By excelling in the CePL Program, the students achieved professional recognition and contributed to strengthening UBLC’s reputation in cultivating future leaders in the legal field.
With this achievement, UBLC continues to uphold its vision of producing competent, ethical, and service-driven graduates who are prepared to take on significant roles in society.