Notable Alumni and Achievements - UP Sigma Rho Fraternity
Distinguished members of UP Sigma Rho Fraternity who have achieved excellence in law, judiciary, and legal practice in the Philippines.
Paolo Celeridad ’08
Position:
Year: 2026
[SIGMA RHOAN FEATURED IN THE PHILIPPINE LAW JOURNAL: Advancing Constitutional Adjudication]
The Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Paolo Celeridad ’08 for his Essay published in the Philippine Law Journal Volume 99 | No. 1, released October 2025. The Philippine Law Journal is the official student-run law review of the UP College of Law and the oldest English-language legal journal in Asia.
In his Essay, Paolo Celeridad ’08 argues for the formal recognition of declaratory relief within the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, noting that the Court has effectively exercised this functions in cases of transcendental importance and proposes a clear framework to address major constitutional questions while maintaining the requirement of an actual case or controversy.
Through this contribution, Paolo Celeridad ’08 highlights the role of legal scholarship in strengthening judicial practice, reflecting the Fraternity’s commitment to service through the law.
For Paolo Celeridad ’08, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Formal recognition of declaratory relief within the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
14 SIGMA RHOANS CONQUER THE 2025 BAR EXAMINATIONS
Position:
Year: 2026
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity proudly honors its 14 Brods who have successfully hurdled the 2025 Bar Examinations. Their achievement is the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of scholarship, service, and brotherhood.
As they enter the legal profession, these Brods carry forward the Fraternity’s legacy as both a campus force and a national force. Armed with learning honed in the Grand Manner and guided by the Sigma Rhoan tradition of leadership and integrity, they now stand ready to serve the people and contribute to the shaping of our nation’s history.
This milestone affirms once more the Fraternity’s enduring tradition of excellence. We look forward to seeing our new Sigma Rhoan lawyers continue to seek the right, uphold justice, and inspire those who will follow in their path.
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
LIST OF SIGMA RHOAN BAR PASSERS:
Pio Ma. Victor Garayblas '97
John Raphael A. Almeda ‘08 GA ‘21
Anthony John D. Rodriguez ‘11
Justin Froi De Jesus '13
Arthur Anthony L. Saulong ‘15
Chris Patrick E. Vinculado '16
Jan Aurel Nikolai M. Castro ‘18
Danny A. Corsiga III ‘19 GA ‘22
Christian Mark G. Guingcangco ‘20 GA ‘23
Jules Duke M. Contreras ‘21
Juan Gabrielle R. Ignacio ‘21
Giannefranco P. de Luna ‘21
Marco Gabriel L. Millan ‘21
Joaquin Domingo S. De Guzman ‘23
Key Accomplishments:
Robert Sanders '15
Position:
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN CITED IN SEPARATE CONCURRING OPINION IN LANDMARK PHILHEALTH DECISION: Advancing Constitutional Accountability]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Robert Sanders ’15 for being cited by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa in his Separate Concurring Opinion in the landmark case of Pimentel III v. House of Representatives, where the Supreme Court ordered the return to PhilHealth of PHP 60 billion previously transferred to the National Treasury.
In his concurrence, Justice Caguioa drew from Robert Sanders ’15’s Philippine Law Journal article, “Unprogrammed Appropriations, the Budget Ceiling, and the Accountability Constitution, 98 Phil. L.J. 1 (2024)”, to support the position that Congress violated Article VI, Section 25(1) of the 1987 Constitution when it increased the Unprogrammed Appropriations proposed by the President. The opinion emphasized that such increases constitute a circumvention of the Constitution’s limits on the power of Congress over appropriations.
Through his writing, Robert Sanders ’15 contributes to the development of constitutional and fiscal law. His work shows how legal scholarship helps guide judicial reasoning on issues of public accountability and reflects the Sigma Rhoan tradition of excellence in legal scholarship.
For Robert Sanders ’15, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Cited by Supreme Court Justice Caguioa in the landmark PhilHealth decision regarding unconstitutional appropriations.
Jose Grapilon ’67
Position:
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN ELECTED PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF LAW PROFESSORS: Leadership in Advancing Legal Education]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Jose Grapilon ’67 on his election as President Emeritus of the Philippine Association of Law Professors (PALP). The PALP represents law professors nationwide and supports the continuous development and integrity of legal education.
As president of the PALP, Jose Grapilon '67 plays a central role in shaping national standards for faculty qualifications, curriculum and law school accreditation. His office advances professional growth and ethical practice among the legal education landscape.
As a seasoned law dean, professor, and practitioner, Jose Grapilon '67 now leads generations of Filipino lawyers. He continues to embody the Sigma Rhoan tradition of cultivating Leaders and Scholars committed to excellence in every field they enter.
For Jose Grapilon ’67, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Elected President Emeritus of the Philippine Association of Law Professors (PALP), leading national standards for legal education.
Stanley Geronimo '11
Position:
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN CLAIMS FIRST PRIZE AT PALANCA DIAMOND JUBILEE: Honoring Excellence in Philippine Literature]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Russell Stanley Q. Geronimo ’11 for winning First Prize in the One-Act Play Category for his piece, “Repatriation” in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature during its Diamond Jubilee celebration held on November 26, 2025 at the Manila Polo Club.
The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards serves as the nation’s premier platform for literary distinction, celebrating the brilliance of Filipino writing across twenty diverse categories. Stan Geronimo '11 was previously awarded Second Prize under the Essay Category in 2023, marking his works as symbols of Filipino literature.
The continued success of Stan Geronimo '11 at the Palanca Awards reflects the Fraternity’s tradition of intellectual vigor and excellence. His achievement inspires all Sigma Rhoans to pursue depth, discipline, and distinction in every field and endeavor.
For Stan Geronimo ’11, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Won First Prize in the One-Act Play Category for his piece, “Repatriation” in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature during its Diamond Jubilee celebration held on November 26, 2025 at the Manila Polo Club.
Sean Guttierez '22
Position:
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN PLACES 4TH IN THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION: A Testament to Excellence]
The Sigma Rho Fraternity proudly congratulates Sean Gutierrez ’22 for achieving Rank 4 in the Civil Service Examination – Professional Level (CSE-PPT) held on August 10, 2025. He obtained an exceptional score of 96.90.
Out of 302,208 examinees, only 50,096 passed the examination nationwide. Sean’s performance places him among the top achievers in the country and highlights his commitment to professional excellence.
The Fraternity once again commends Sean Gutierrez ’22 for this remarkable accomplishment. His achievement reflects the high standards of excellence upheld by the Brotherhood and stands as an inspiration for future generations.
For Sean Gutierrez ’22, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Ranked 4th in the Civil Service Examination – Professional Level (CSE-PPT) held on August 10, 2025
Tony Carpio '70 GA '73
Position: Justice
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN CONFERRED HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS BY DLSU: Advancing Scholarship, Service, and National Sovereignty]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Justice Antonio T. Carpio ’70 GA ’73 for being awarded the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by De La Salle University during its November 2025 commencement exercises where he served as the commencement speaker for the ceremony.
Justice Antonio Carpio ‘70 GA ‘73 discussed in his commencement address “the gravest misconception in Philippine history”: the belief that our national territory is confined to the limits set by the 1898 Treaty of Paris. The address reaffirmed his lifelong mission to clarify, defend, and uphold the full breadth of the Philippine domain.
Through this conferment, Justice Antonio Carpio ‘70 GA ‘73 upholds the Sigma Rhoan traditions of excellence, scholarship, and patriotic duty. This affirms the principles he has exemplified throughout his career in law and public service for the nation.
For Justice Antonio Carpio ’70 GA ’73, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Awarded the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by De La Salle University during its November 2025 commencement exercises
Mike Muega '90
Position: Doctor
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN HONORED WITH UP CENTENNIAL PROFESSORIAL CHAIR AWARD: Excellence in Academic Service]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Dr. Mike Muega '90 for being recognized as a 2025 UP Centennial Professorial Chair Awardee. A leading educator in Philosophy of Education and Values Education, he exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship and service in the UP community.
The Centennial Professorial Chair Award is conferred upon faculty members who demonstrate outstanding performance in teaching, research or creative work, and public service. This highlights Dr. Mike Muega ‘90 and his contributions to advancing educational thought, shaping future educators, and enriching public service.
Dr. Mike Muega ’90 stands as a testament to the Sigma Rhoan tradition of producing Leaders and Scholars. His work is a source of pride and an enduring inspiration to all Brods to excel in their chosen fields.
For Dr. Mike Muega ’90, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Recognized as a 2025 UP Centennial Professorial Chair Awardee
Daniel De Jesus ’17
Position:
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN PASSES THE NEW YORK STATE BAR EXAMINATIONS: Strengthening the Fraternity’s Presence in Global Legal Practice]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Daniel De Jesus ’17 for passing the July 2025 New York State Bar Examinations. With a 46% passing rate for foreign-educated examinees, his success highlights the strength and perseverance of Sigma Rhoans in the global legal arena.
Daniel De Jesus ’17 earned his Juris Doctor degree from the UP College of Law in 2023 before pursuing graduate studies abroad. He is currently a candidate for a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs at New York University, a program that advances expertise in energy and environment policy.
His accomplishment exemplifies the Fraternity’s tradition of academic excellence and the commitment of its Scholars to uphold the ideals of Honor, Excellence, and Leadership in every field they enter.
For Daniel De Jesus ’17, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Passed the July 2025 New York State Bar Examinations
Charlie Prenicolas ‘08
Position: Vice Consul
Year: 2025
[SIGMA RHOAN APPOINTED THIRD SECRETARY AND VICE CONSUL TO BAHRAIN: Excellence in Foreign Service and Consular Affairs]
The UP Sigma Rho Fraternity congratulates Charlie Prenicolas '08 on his appointment as Third Secretary and Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Prior to his current posting, Charlie Prenicolas ‘08 served at the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) as Assistant Passport Director, where he played a key role in advancing passport services and upholding the integrity and sanctity of the Philippine ePassport System. He also contributed to the drafting and consultations for the New Philippine Passport Act (Republic Act No. 11983) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Earlier, he served as Principal Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the same office.
His appointment exemplifies the Sigma Rhoan tradition of a Leader dedicated to public service and the protection of Filipino nationals overseas. Through his diplomatic work, Charlie Prenicolas '08 continues to uphold the Fraternity’s enduring commitment to integrity, excellence, and service to the nation.
For Charlie Prenicolas '08, Fight!
For the Sigma Rho, Fight!
For the Grand Archon, Fight!
Key Accomplishments:
- Appointed as Third Secretary and Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
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