Ateneo Law School dean Joey Hofileña dies at 64

MANILA Philippines – Jose Maria “Joey” Hofileña, dean of the Ateneo Law School (ALS), died on Thursday, February 26. He was 64.

Hofileña passed away due to complications of pneumonia, as confirmed by Rappler’s co-founder, investigative editor, and head of training Chay Hofileña, his wife of 35 years.

He also served as the first corporate secretary of Rappler when it was founded in July 2011.

The Hofileña family expressed gratitude to all who “lovingly remembered him in prayer.”

“We are thankful for the beautiful gift that Joey has been to all of us, and find comfort in knowing that he is now wrapped in the warm embrace of our Creator,” the family said.

Rappler — and journalism — will miss him.

“Joey is an artist — our incredible photographer, musician — a kind and gentle soul,” said Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. ”When the attacks were relentless during Rappler’s worst years, he was our pillar of strength, giving us clarity and hope, helping us chart the path ahead.”

Hofileña had been ALS dean since June 2018. At the time of his death, he was serving his third consecutive three-year term.

As dean, Hofileña often called on new lawyers to act with integrity, uphold human rights, and remain committed to genuine service.

In a message following the release of the results of the 2025 Bar Examinations last January, Hofileña noted that the Philippines and other countries are confronting “widespread corruption and serious challenges to the rule of law.”

“It is our fervent hope that each of our ALS bar passers will enter the legal profession as principled lawyers animated by zeal, courage, and Ignatian fervor — committed to upholding the primacy of the law as an instrument for the protection of individual rights, the promotion of the common good, the pursuit of justice, and the demand for accountability,” the dean had said.

A true-blue Atenean, Hofileña completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ateneo de Manila University with honors in 1983. He went on to study law and graduate as valedictorian of the ALS in 1987, and ranked 10th in the 1987 Bar Examinations.

In 1990, he obtained his Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School.

Prior to joining the academe full-time, Hofileña was a senior partner at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan from 1996 to 2012.

He started teaching at the ALS in 2013, and also chaired the school’s Commercial Law and Intellectual Property Department.

Hofileña is survived by his wife Chay; parents Hector and Chita; and brothers Jun, Jimmy, and Jake. His eldest brother Jess died in 2021. – Rappler.com