CEBU CITY – Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally congratulated two Cebu police officials who defied the odds by completing law school and passing the 2024 Bar Exam while actively serving in law enforcement.
At the Capitol, Gov. Baricuatro met Cebu police officials and praised their dedication to pursuing law while serving in duty.
“It’s inspiring that despite their busy schedules and tackling criminality in their respective municipalities, they managed to finish law. That’s not an easy thing—it’s a tough thing,” Gov. Baricuatro said, visibly moved. She encouraged other officers to dream big, citing Maramag and Noserale as examples of how dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Balancing Badges and Books
For Lt. Col. Maila Maramag, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, the journey to becoming a lawyer was marked by patience and determination. A graduate of the University of San Carlos, Maramag began law school in 2017 and completed it in 2023. Along the way, she juggled the responsibilities of motherhood, police work, and rigorous law studies.
“They say law school is like a jealous mistress, but I don’t believe that. With God’s grace, I fulfilled all the requirements,” Maramag shared. She credited her success to the support of her family and colleagues in the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasizing that her accomplishment was a collective effort rather than an individual one.
Despite earning her law degree and passing the bar, Maramag affirmed her commitment to the police force. “We retire at 56. I want to give back to the organization because without the PNP, I wouldn’t have been able to go to law school or fulfill my childhood dream. I’ll stay with the PNP and help wherever I can—even offering pro bono legal services if needed,” she said.
Lt. Col. Verniño Noserale, currently chief of the City of Naga Police Station, began his law studies in 2019 while serving as the chief of police in Minglanilla. Graduating in 2024 from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Lahug, Cebu City, Noserale described law school as a test of discipline and time management.
“I had to sacrifice a lot, especially my hobbies like motorcycle riding. Law school isn’t a jealous mistress—it just requires total commitment,” he said. Noserale credited much of his success to the support of his wife, Fiscal Eunice, a prosecutor in Lapu-Lapu City, jokingly calling her both his mentor and tormentor.
A Message of Inspiration to Fellow Officers
Maramag and Noserale passed the bar on their first try and now aim to use their legal expertise to support fellow PNP personnel.
“My advocacy is to protect the rights of our rank-and-file personnel. They are the leg workers of the PNP. We officers are only supervisors. If you want to pursue law, commit to it fully. Your only goal should be to pass the bar and become a lawyer,” Noserale emphasized.
Gov. Baricuatro expressed pride in their achievements, noting that such stories of determination inspire not only fellow police officers but the wider community. “I’m so inspired by their accomplishment. We should empower more police officers to reach greater heights. Never underestimate anyone,” she said, encouraging others to dream big and persevere despite challenges.
With this year’s Bar Examinations scheduled for September 7, 10, and 14, Maramag and Noserale’s story serves as both a reminder and a motivation: with focus, sacrifice, and support, even the most ambitious goals can be realized.
