On its 50th year, Lex Talionis Fraternitas Inc. reflects on the legacy and aspirations of the brotherhood over the years.

On Sept. 28, 1969, 39 students from the San Beda College of Law gathered around a favorite hangout near the campus. United by a mutual purpose, they desired to foster unity in steering their brotherhood towards a common direction. After a brief discussion, a draft of the constitution and by-laws was officially adopted. And inside a classroom at the San Beda College of Law, the members, aptly called Talions, concluded the formal founding ceremony and elections. And thus, the Lex Talionis Fraternitas, Inc. was born.

Lex talionis is Latin for the Law of Retaliation, a concept that is derived from the Mosaic law “An eye for an eye; A tooth for a tooth,” — a variation of the original concept promulgated under the Code of Hammurabi. Meanwhile, the frat motto, Sodalitas Ducum Futurorum, is Latin for “Solidarity of Future Leaders.”

Over the years, Lex Talionis Fraternitas, Inc. underwent a period of expansion and growth. In 1974, members Rodrigo Duterte, Joel Babista, and Alberto Sipaco Jr., (known as the Triumvirate/Troika) led efforts in planting the seeds of the second LTFI chapter at the Ateneo de Davao University School of Law. With blessings from the Grand Judex, Davao would be the proud nest of Talions in the Southern Philippines. In 1983, the fraternity was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Fifty years after its official establishment, the fraternity stands strong and proud, a majority of its members successfully making their mark either into private practice or employed in prestigious law firms. A good number have found their calling in the field of public service as elected officials or appointed to executive positions in government. Still, some persevered in the law profession and reached the highest achievement for a practicing lawyer — to be appointed in the Philippine Judiciary as judges or justices of collegiate courts. And one eventually became the 16th Philippine president.

To better appreciate the milestones and achievements of the fraternity over the years,

The Philippine STAR sits down with three distinguished Talions as they reflect on the legacy and aspirations of the brotherhood ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Lex Talionis Fraternitas, Inc. (LTFI).

THE MARK OF A TRUE TALION

Lex Talionis was established by young and idealistic students of the San Beda College of Law to create and develop future leaders, especially in the field of legal profession. Ultimately, members of the fraternity were able to occupy positions of responsibility. Some of the fraternity brothers made it as mayors, governors, justices of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

Atty. Emilio Benito Aquino, current SEC chairperson and 1991 Grand Judex, highlights the role of Lex Talionis in molding and raising future leaders in both the public and private sectors.

“If you will note from our ranks, there are a lot of leaders; our president and his cabinet, the heads and chairpersons of government institutions like GOCCs and national government agencies. Lex Talionis has been instrumental in instilling leadership and foresight to the brothers, from its establishment 50 years henceforth, until now that there is a tradition of having notable leaders from among its ranks,” Aquino stated.

“Indeed, the fraternity has become a training ground for future leaders. You name a position, and we have a Talion. From the president himself at the Executive branch, to the Legislative and the Judiciary. We were ecstatic when a Talion assumed the presidency, his leadership was phenomenal. We were behind him and it brings us pride that he, the president, is delivering on his promises, making us even prouder that he is our fraternal brother.” Aquino declares.

UNIFYING FORCE AND GREATEST MOMENT

Atty. Alfredo Lim, chairman of the Board of Trustees and 1974 Grand Judex, talks about the one unifying moment that brought all the members of this close-knit group into action.

“For me, LTFI’s greatest milestone is our brother being elected as the President of the Republic of the Philippines. I have never thought that we would be able to produce a president in the likes of (Mayor) Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Atty. Lim proudly shares.

One of Atty. Lim’s most treasured memories came during his own birthday party, a personal event that would pave the way for a change in the course of Philippine politics. Inviting friends and colleagues during his birthday party back in November 2015, Atty. Lim was delighted when then Mayor Duterte arrived. At that time, Duterte has not yet declared his candidacy for president, frustrating the crowds of supporters who were eagerly awaiting his entry into the 2016 presidential race.

“When he (Duterte) arrived at my birthday, I was surprised because mediamen from ABSCBN and GMA7 were in the vicinity of my house. I sensed something big was about to happen. When Duterte arrived, he said that he was going to speak. Without much ado, I went