Melencio Santos Sta. Maria Jr.^[1] (Tagalog: [sɐnta mɐˈɾia]; born February 23, 1957) is a Filipino lawyer, law professor, and television & radio presenter. He has been the dean of Far Eastern University's law school since 2013. He has also been teaching at his alma mater, the Ateneo School of Law, since 1986.^[2]

In television and radio, he is affiliated with TV5, notably as a legal correspondent for Relasyon and Solved na Solved.^[3]

He graduated in BS Biology from Ateneo de Manila University in 1978, and four years later he obtained his Bachelor of Laws with Honors at the same school same as classmate Ray Espinosa (current director at MVP group and 1982 bar topnotcher). After joining the Philippine Bar he became partner at the Tanjuatco Sta. Maria Tanjuatco Law Firm. He obtained his Master of Law in Banking in Boston University in 1986. Also in that year, he started to teach at the Ateneo Law School, as the professor in Persons and Family Relations Law, Obligations and Contracts, as well as the Civil Law Review and a reviewer for Civil law. Atty Mel, as he is fondly called, is also a lecturer for Philippine Judicial Academy. In 2013, he was appointed Dean of Far Eastern University Institute of Law replacing Atty. Andres D. Bautista.^[4]

On July 6, 2020, Sta. Maria and six other law professors from FEU filed a petition to the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against several provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3. The said provisions include the law's definition of terrorism, the acts it considers as "terrorism", the process by which individuals and groups are labelled and officially declared as terrorists, and the warrantless detention of suspected terrorists. Sta. Maria's group aims to have the aforementioned provisions declared unconstitutional and void.^[5]

He joined News5 in 2010 as a legal adviser, he also joins Relasyon along with News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes on DWFM and AksyonTV, in 2015 he joins the new legal advice show Solved na Solved with Gelli de Belen (she also spoofed Cruz-Valdes on Tropa Mo Ko Unli on Walang Relasyon parody) and Arnell Ignacio on TV5.

In August 2014, Sta. Maria interviewed President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañan Palace, about his possible re-election in 2016 despite a constitutional ban (on re-election). Expressing a bit of constitutional reform,^[6] Sta Maria's interview with Aquino was praised by netizens.

Radyo5 92.3 News FM - "Relasyon"

Dean Mel hosted "Relasyon" on Radyo5 92.3 News FM, a legal advice and current affairs program that began broadcasting with the launch of the station. "Relasyon" became notable for its live broadcasts from a home setup during the COVID-19 pandemic, a strategic move that allowed the show to continue operation despite widespread lockdowns. This adaptation showcased Dean Mel's commitment to maintaining accessibility and continuity of legal advice during critical times. The show ended its broadcast on December 31, 2020.

Early Beginnings and Transition into Digital Media (2017)

Dean Mel Sta Maria initiated his venture into digital media in 2017 with the creation of "Diskusyon With Dean Mel," an online show focused on demystifying legal concepts for the general audience. This was a collaborative effort with Andrew Coroza, who at that time was a student and later became a key figure in Dean Mel's media endeavors. The show quickly evolved into "Interview With Dean Mel," which broadened its content to include interviews with various personalities, discussing pertinent legal and societal issues.

Navigating Challenges and Expanding Content

The transition from "Diskusyon With Dean Mel" to "Interview With Dean Mel" occurred due to a naming rights challenge with NET25. To avoid legal conflict and maintain goodwill, Dean Mel visited NET25 and agreed to discontinue the use of "Diskusyon." This episode exemplifies Dean Mel's strategic and ethical handling of potential conflicts in his media career.

Pandemic Response and Innovations (2020)

As the COVID-19 pandemic imposed global lockdowns, Dean Mel, with Andrew Coroza's technical expertise, adapted his home studio to continue broadcasting without interruptions. They launched "COVID-19 Special Coverage of Interview with Dean Mel," a nightly series providing updates and legal interpretations of pandemic-related events. This series not only maintained but also expanded Dean Mel's audience by filling the information vacuum created by the pandemic.

Broadcasting "Relasyon" During the Pandemic (April 2020)

During the pandemic, the broadcast of "Relasyon" on Radyo5 faced significant challenges due to the lockdown. Dean Mel offered his studio setup to resume the show's live broadcasts, which Andrew Coroza managed remotely. This setup allowed "Relasyon" to continue broadcasting, reaffirming Dean Mel's commitment to providing continuous legal advice and discussion of current affairs during critical times.

Development and Evolution of 'Dean Mel On AIR' (2020-2022)

The concept of "AIR" (Advice, Interview, Reaction) was conceived in 2020 during one of the live broadcasts of "Relasyon," when Dean Mel's late co-host Gladys Lana-Lucas noticed the "On-Air" sign in his studio. This inspired the branding for "Dean Mel On AIR," which started as a live streaming series and included various formats under the broad themes of providing advice, conducting interviews, and reacting to current events.

Dean Mel On AIR is a compelling podcast that brings together the expertise of legal professionals with the dynamic perspectives of social media experts. Hosted by the esteemed Dean Mel Sta Maria, along with co-hosts Andrew Coroza and Lai Marasigan, the show offers a unique blend of insightful analysis on current events, legal issues, and social trends, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Philippine society and beyond.

The Origin of the Show's Name

In 2020, during the pandemic, Dean Mel’s radio show with Radyo5 "Relasyon" was among the first national television programs to air live, breaking the norm of replays and Zoom broadcasts with the help of Dean Mel’s broadcast equipment and his own production. Notably, during one of these episodes, his late co-host Gladys Lana-Lucas coined the term "AIR" (Advice, Interview, Reaction) after noticing the On-Air sign during a live broadcast in Dean Mel's home studio. This term perfectly encapsulates the essence of Dean Mel’s work:

• Advice: Providing legal advice to viewers, both online and through his former radio show "Relasyon."
• Interview: Conducting interviews through his online show "Interview With Dean Mel" and various news programs.
• Reaction: Offering commentary on news and current affairs, as well as fun reactions to music videos and performances on YouTube.

This led to the rebranding of "Interview With Dean Mel" to "Dean Mel On AIR," evolving it into a full-fledged podcast.

Content and Format

Dean Mel On AIR covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Legal Analysis: In-depth discussions on various legal issues affecting the Philippines, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the law.
• Current Events: Commentary and analysis on the latest news and events, highlighting their legal and social implications.
• Interviews: Engaging conversations with high-profile personalities, offering exclusive insights into their perspectives on critical issues.
• Social Commentary: Discussions on social trends and issues, informed by the hosts' deep understanding of media and public sentiment.

The podcast airs live on Facebook and YouTube, where viewers can interact with the hosts through live comments, making the show more engaging and dynamic. Immediately after the live broadcast, episodes are uploaded to Spotify and Apple Podcasts for on-demand listening. Interesting snippets from the show are edited and posted as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok videos, expanding the reach and engagement with the audience. The hosts’ deep commitment to family values and community engagement is subtly woven into the fabric of the show, reflecting their Filipino heritage and fostering a sense of unity and shared values among listeners.

Audience Engagement

Dean Mel On AIR fosters a vibrant community by encouraging listener interaction through live comments and feedback segments. This engagement ensures that the content remains relevant and resonant with its audience, creating a space for informed and lively discussions. The show’s presence on multiple platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, ensures broad accessibility and reach.

Dean Mel On AIR stands out as a premier podcast that combines legal expertise with the dynamic perspectives of social media-savvy co-hosts. The show’s comprehensive coverage of legal issues, current events, and social trends makes it an essential listen for anyone looking to stay informed and engaged with the critical issues shaping the Philippines today. Through its interactive format and multi-platform presence, Dean Mel On AIR continues to foster meaningful conversations and engage a diverse audience.

• Read My Mind (2013)
• What's the Point (2015)
• Persons and Family Relations Law (Rex Publishing, 1995)

• FHM Philippines XV Special, FHM Heroes article (March 2015)

Mel is the eldest son of Melencio Sta. Maria, a medical doctor, and Florencia Santos, and the younger brother to Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, current Philippine Ambassador to Germany in Berlin. He is married to Amparita de los Santos, also a lawyer and ALS classmate with whom he has 3 children.