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Ateneo Law School Dean Joey Hofileña Passes Away at 64 — Legal Community Mourns a 'Brilliant, Kind, and Compassionate' Leader

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Feb 27, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: The Manila Times

Ateneo Law School Dean Jose Maria "Joey" Hofileña has passed away at the age of 64, leaving the Philippine legal community in mourning. His family confirmed the news on Friday, saying they "find comfort in knowing that he is now wrapped in the warm embrace of our Creator."

Hofileña had been in intensive care for nearly a month, according to former Ateneo School of Government dean Tony La Viña. "Devastating, terrible, sad, unfathomable news," La Viña wrote on Facebook. "His passing, even after weeks in the ICU, is difficult to accept." He described Hofileña as brilliant, hardworking, creative, kind, passionate, and compassionate — "the best practitioner of magis and cura personalis."

Lawyer and TV personality Mel Sta. Maria paid tribute, writing that Hofileña was "more than just a legal mind" — he was a man of "deep decency and quiet wisdom" who "lived the words of the Prayer for Generosity every day of his life." He called Hofileña "Lux in Domino" — a light in the Lord who guided their alma mater with integrity.

Before becoming dean, Hofileña built a distinguished career as a practitioner at Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, one of the Philippines' most prestigious law firms. He was also active in the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS), where his leadership helped shape legal education nationwide.

He is survived by his wife Chay Florentino-Hofileña, head of the investigative desk of Rappler. Dean Joey's legacy, as Sta. Maria put it, "remains written in the hearts of the many students and lawyers he inspired." Pahinga na po, Dean.

Source: The Manila Times

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