Supreme Court pays tribute to Ateneo law school Dean Hofileña

The Supreme Court paid tribute to Atty. Jose Maria G. Hofileña, a distinguished figure in the Philippine legal community, who died on Thursday, February 26, 2026 due to pneumonia.

Hofileña, 64, was a member of the Commercial Law Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy and Dean of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law.

He was also part of the SC Sub-Committee for the review of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary that drafted the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability.

"Known as "Joey" to his colleagues, he was a distinguished figure in the Philippine legal community and was widely respected for his legal acumen and dedication to education," the SC said in a statement.

Hofileña earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo law school in 1987, graduating as class valedictorian and ended in 10th place in the 1987 Bar Examinations. He then obrained a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1990.

He became Dean of the Ateneo Law School in June 2018, "a role in which he guided the institution with integrity, vision, and commitment to justice."

"Beyond his academic and professional achievements, Dean Hofileña was a valued member of the PHILJA, and left a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and the legal community at large."

"We extend our condolences to Dean Hofileña's family, loved ones, and legal community in this time of grief." — BAP, GMA Integrated News