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Prof. Cesario Alvero Azucena, Jr.

Of Counsel

Cesario Azucena or C.A. Azucena is a recognized leading expert in the field of labor laws. His ardent passion for the practice began while he was still in college as he joined the US-Philippine team that edited and published the official “Compilation of Effective Labor Legislation in the Philippines.” Since then, he has established himself an illustrious career as a lawyer who specializes in employment relations, an esteemed law professor, and a widely-published author. 

His command of labor law has made him a sought-after subject matter expert for both the public and private sectors. His expertise in the field led him to become a consultant for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and in numerous private corporations, a lecturer at the University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR), and in the Supreme Court’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program.

Professor Azucena’s opinion on matters related to labor and employment is highly regarded by his peers and colleagues so much so that he assists in Congressional deliberations on labor laws and is a consultant for the Labor Code Reform Project of DOLE. He also became the President of the Philippine Industrial Relations Society, and a Bar Examiner in the 2011 bar examinations for Labor and Social Legislation.

His reputation as a labor law expert has led him to wear various hats. On top of his other commitments, Ces has been serving as Chairman of the Labor Law Department of his alma mater Ateneo Law School for over 30 years. The Ateneo de Manila Law Alumni Association unanimously selected him for the “Distinguished Alumnus Award” for his contribution as an author, professor, and labor law expert. His published works, such as the two-volume book “The Labor Code with Comments and Cases” which won the Supreme Court Centenary Book Award and are often cited by the Supreme Court in its decisions, continue to shape the way labor law is interpreted and meted today.

Undoubtedly, Professor Azucena has become more than a legal expert. He is and continues to be an influencer, reaching out and imparting valuable and varied contributions in the academe, employment relations, and legislation all in the name of Labor Law.

Q&A

What are you currently passionate about?

I am currently passionate about yoga and I make it a point to practice it regularly. It has helped me to focus, be mindful, and flexible. More importantly, it has taught me to be less reactive to external stressors. These are lessons that I have channeled into my practice of law — flexibility and mindfulness in dealing with clients, and focus in handling complex engagements.  Amidst the exciting and challenging legal issues and engagements that the Firm deals with on a daily basis, my yoga practice has kept me grounded and mindful in order to best serve the interests of our clients.

What characteristic of yours is your friends most fond of? 

My friends would say that I try to have fun in any situation that I am put in. I believe that regardless of the gravity and seriousness of any situation, there is no reason that fun cannot be had as well. Similarly, even if faced with stressful circumstances or difficult engagements, I always endeavor to find the fun in all that I do.

It is often said that to be a great lawyer, one must accept that you are a constant student of the law. I find that this undertaking — the study of our ever-evolving legal landscape — to be exciting, gratifying, and more importantly, an honor. 

What is your guiding thought in your personal and professional life?

I have always been guided by this quote from Victor Hugo: “Whatever causes night in our souls may leave stars.” 

It is through the challenges and the hardships that we are forced to decide whether we will succumb and give up or thrive and shine brighter than before. I repeat this mantra whenever I am faced with a challenge, whether it be in my personal or professional life. In hindsight, the greatest lessons and most well-earned accomplishments of mine are those that were born out of the most trying of times.

COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
  • Recognized as Recommended Lawyer for Dispute Resolution by the Legal 500 in 2021
  • Noted as a key partner for Dispute Resolution by the Asia Law Profiles in 2021
  • Named as one of the finalists for Young Lawyer of the Year in the 5th Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards 2020
NOTABLE BRIEFS
  • Sikap-Gawa Industrial Peace Award, Bishops’-Businessmen’s Conference of the Philippines
  • Outstanding Achievement Award, Personnel Management Association of the Philippines
  • Author, The Labor Code with Comments and Cases: Volumes I and II
  • Author, Everyone’s Labor Code
  • Author, Labor Laws Source Book
  • Author, Essential Labor Laws
  • Author, Democracy and Socialism: A Curriculum of Contentions
  • Faculty Member, San Beda College of Law
  • Professional Lecturer, School of Labor and Industrial Relations of the University of the Philippines, Diliman

EDUCATION, AWARDS & OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
  • Bachelor of Laws, Ateneo Law School
  • Master of Public Administration, University of the Philippines
  • Select courses on Master of Business Administration, De La Salle Professional Schools



CONTACT

(+63)2 8255 46 56

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