Estrada Law

15/06/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | Beyond outrage: The legal questions behind Ateneo’s possible liability

From a legal standpoint, Atty. Estrada breaks down the legal principles that may apply to help us better understand how liability can be determined and in the future, how a similar case may be prevented.

“In the end, the law does not make schools absolute insurers of student safety. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that educational institutions are not automatically liable for every harm that befalls those in their care. But neither are they free from responsibility when preventable danger is ignored.”

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08/06/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | Reform at CHED must rise above politics

The recent complaint against CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis is more than just about one official. It raises a deeper issue: can the Commission on Higher Education carry out reforms without being weakened by political maneuvering?

As the article points out, the credibility of CHED is at stake. Congress created this body under Republic Act 7722 to provide leadership and sound policy direction in higher education. For CHED to fulfill its mandate, reforms must rise above politics and focus on strengthening institutions, not personalities.

"At stake is not just the fate of a sitting chairperson, but also the independence, stability and credibility of an agency that Congress created under Republic Act 7722 to provide leadership and sound policy direction in higher education."

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01/06/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | Why Congress must pass the proposed Basic Education Voucher Program Act now

The financial constraints of low- and middle-income families is not a new to topic to many, especially in discussions on education. That's why Atty. Estrada reminds the reasons as to why it's high time to pass and implement the Basic Education Voucher Program Act, which is it's primary aim is to expand student access to private education and decongesting overcrowded public schools.

"A well-designed basic education voucher program directly addresses this gap. Instead of limiting children to the school they can afford — or the overcrowded school they happen to live near — vouchers give families a measure of choice."

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01/06/2026

Estrada Law would like to extend the warmest wishes to Dr. Doris Fernandez Ferrer on this special day.

We celebrate you and all the wonderful contributions you bring to those around you. Happy Birthday!

25/05/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | The quiet frontliners of our schools: Why guidance counselors matter more than ever

Atty. Estrada highlights the growing youth mental health crisis and reminds us that schools are on the frontlines — with guidance counselors playing a crucial role, and the call to act:

"Despite their critical contributions, guidance counselors are often overburdened, under-resourced and under-recognized. One counselor may serve hundreds or even thousands of students. Some schools still treat guidance work as an administrative sideline rather than a professional specialty.

If we truly believe education is about forming whole, healthy human beings — not just producing high test scores — this must change."

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20/05/2026

18/05/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | CHED at 32: Reforming but restoring its original mission

As CHED celebrates its' 32nd Founding Anniversary, Atty. Estrada views it as a reminder on how it can reflect on its origin and align to how it was first envisioned; nurture academic freedom and elevate higher education standards.

"When CHED was created in 1994, it emerged from a broad reform agenda for the Philippine education system crafted by the first Congressional Commission on Education, or Edcom, in 1992."

Senate Bill 1427 which is now pending, could reshape that vision by updating its charter to meet the demands of a rapidly changing educational landscape.

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11/05/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | CHED’s blanket ban on tuition hikes raises legal and policy concerns

Atty. Estrada questions the due process when CHED rejects the tuition increase requests that are based on rising operating expenses and reasonable necessities for sustaining school operations, rather than on the anticipation of a future geopolitical crisis.

"This is an important point that is often overlooked in public discussions: Private higher education institutions are funded primarily by tuition and fees. Unlike state universities and colleges, they do not receive regular appropriations from the government."

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08/05/2026

PAPSCU Cares | April 17 — Inspiring voices filled the room as Atty. Estrada shared valuable insights on guiding school leaders through compliance challenges while safeguarding institutional integrity. He was joined by distinguished speakers: Dr. Royce Torres (President of PAPSCU and Iligan Medical Center College), Ms. Charis Go (President of Berkeley School – Baguio), Dr. Rhodora “Doris” Ferrer (Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee), and Dr. Michele Alignay (Part-time Faculty, Department of Psychology at Miriam College).

The day concluded on a high note with a spontaneous live podcast of Usapang Ed, hosted by Atty. E (Atty. Erap) and Doc D (Dr. Doris). The podcast featured the event’s speakers, who brought fresh perspectives on Family-owned Schools directly to the audience.

The event was graciously hosted by the University of Batangas, led by its President, Ms. Marlene Bohn. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lourdes Sese (PEAC-PAPSCU ASPIRE Committee Chair), who served as Program Chair and masterfully synthesized a full day of discussions. The event would not have been possible without her dedication and leadership.

Indeed, it was a wonderful day of Engaging the Next Gen Leaders!

04/05/2026

THE LEGAL MIND | Can misconduct cost a student her academic honors?

A Grade 12 student, attacked a schoolmate and was suspended after due process. Although academically qualified for honors, she was delisted from the honor roll under the school’s handbook but was still allowed to march on graduation day. Her guardian rejected the decision, and she verbally attacked school authorities both in person and online, and eventually filed a complaint with the Department of Education’s regional office.

"Was the school correct in disqualifying the student from the school’s honor list?

Yes.

Legally speaking, while the relationship between a student and a private school is imbued with public interest, it remains essentially contractual."

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