Past Chief Justices - Supreme Court of the Philippines

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Past Chief Justices

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Past Chief Justices

Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta

Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro

Chief Justice Renato C. Corona

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban

Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide

Chief Justice Andres R. Narvasa

Chief Justice Marcelo B. Fernan

Chief Justice Pedro L. Yap

Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee

Chief Justice Ramon C. Aquino

Chief Justice Felix V. Makasiar

Chief Justice Enrique M. Fernando

Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro

Chief Justice Querube C. Makalintal

Chief Justice Roberto R. Concepcion

Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon

Chief Justice Ricardo M. Paras

Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran

Chief Justice Jose Yulo

Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos

Chief Justice Ramon Q. Avancena

Chief Justice Manuel G. Araullo

Chief Justice Victorino M. Mapa

Chief Justice Cayetano S. Arellano

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Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

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Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

Contact Info

For queries and comments,
please email us at:

pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph
chiefjusticehelpdesk@
judiciary.gov.ph

Or call us at:

+63 2 8552-9644 | +63 908 850-0919

Downloads

Useful Links

Supreme Court of the Philippines

Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000

Contact Info

For queries and comments,
please email us at:

pio.sc@judiciary.gov.ph
chiefjusticehelpdesk@
judiciary.gov.ph

Or call us at:

+63 2 8552-9644
+63 908 850-0919

Downloads

Useful Links

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Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta

Tenure: October 23, 2019 – March 27, 2021
Appointed by: Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Birthdate: March 27, 1952
Place of Birth: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Education:

Bachelor of Science, San Juan de Letran, 1974
Bachelor of Laws, University of Santo Tomas, 1979
Passed the bar, 1980
Doctor of Laws, honorus causa, Northwestern University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, April 9, 2010

Professional Career:

Production Assistant, Cosmos Bottling Corp, 1974-1975
Operations Supervisor, Wisdom Management, Inc., 1975-1979
Assistant Personnel Manager, Cosmos Bottling Corp., 1980-1982
Senior Assistnat Personnel Manager, Cosmos Bottling Corp, 1982-1986
General Manager, Ace Agro Development Corp., 1982-1986
Legal Consultant, Metro Manila Commission, 1981-1982
Barangay Councilman, Barangay Fairview, 1982-1986
City Fiscal, Laoag City, 1987-1988
City Fiscal, Manila, 1988-1994
Professor, Reviewer in Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure, University of Santo Tomas. Ateneo De Manila, San Beda College, University of the East, Philippine Christian University, San Sebastian College, and other review centers
Member, Corp of Professor, Department of Criminal Law, and Lecturer, Philippine Judicial Academy
Guest Lecturer, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Graduate School of Law and San Beda College Graduate School of Law
Judge, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City, Branch 95, 1994-2000
Associate Justice, Sandiganbayan, 2002-2008
Presiding Justice, Sandiganbayan, 2008-2009
Associate Justice, Supreme Court, 2009

Awards:

Outstanding Tomasian Alumni (Total Awards for Law), University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association, August 2, 2008
Ulirang Ama Awardee on Law and Judiciary, Ulirang Ama Foundation, Inc. June 18, 2006
Nominee for the Filipino of the Year 2007, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Knight of Letran for Outstanding Professional Award in Jurisprudence, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, March 9, 2005
Hall of Fame Award in the field of Government and Law, by City of Laoag, February 7, 2004
Award of Distinction, University of Santo Tomas Law Alumni Foundation, November 23, 2002
Judicial Excellence Awardee 2002 (Chief Justice Ramon Avancena Award for Outstanding RTC Judge), Foundation for Judicial Excellence, June 14, 2002
Annual Pillars of the Criminal Justice System Award, August 28, 1999
Special Centennial Awardee in the Field of Criminal Law given by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Supreme Court, June 6, 2001
Presidential Service Citation, Presidnet of the Integrated Bar of the Philioppines, December 7, 2000
Plaque of Commendation by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines ï¿½ Quezon City Chapter, February 11, 1999
Outstanding Citizen of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, February 5, 1998
Most Outstanding Prosecutor Public Award of the City of Manila, June 9, 1994
Finalist, Outstanding Prosecutor Public Award, Awards for Judicial Excellence, 1993
Outstanding Prosecutor Public Award of Manila, 1990-1991, June 21, 1991

Professional and Civil Organizations:

Member, Planning Committee, Institute on Criminal Law, Remedial Law and Trial Technique, U.P. Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration, 1999-present
Member, Review Committee of Benchbook for Judges on the Computation and Graduation of Penalties in the Revised Penal code, U.P. Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration, 2001
Reviewer, Review Committee of Benchbook for Judges on the Computation and Graduation of Penalties in Special Laws, , U.P. Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration, 2004-2005
Reviewer, Review Committee of Benchbook for Judges on on Prescription of Crimes, U.P. Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration, 2005

Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Tenure: November 28, 2018 – October 18, 2019
Appointed by: Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Birthdate: October 18, 1949
Place of Birth: Bangued, Abra

Education:

Elementary, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon, Bangued Abra, 1961 (Valedictorian)
High School, St. Joseph Seminary, , Bangued Abra, 1965 (Valedictorian)
Bachelor of Arts, University of the Philippines, 1968
Bachelor of Laws, University of the East, 1973
9th Placer, 1973 Bar Examinations with a grade of 86.3% (100% in Criminal Law)
Fellow, Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, 2004

Professional Career:

Law Practitioner, 1974-1976
Partner, Purugganan Lizardo & Bersamin Law Office, 1976-1986
Judge, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City, Branch 96, November 1986-March 2003
Professor, University of the East College of Law, 1989
Professor, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, 2000
Associate Justice, Court of Appeals, March 2003-April 3, 2009
Professor, Ateneo Law School, 2005
Special Lecturer, University of Cebu College of Law, 2006
Acting Chairman, Remedial Law Department, Philippine Judicial Academy
Lecturer, Philippine Judicial Academy
Lecturer, UP Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration
Member, Planning Committee on Remedial Law & Criminal Law, , UP Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration
Bar Reviewer, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, Lex Reviews & Seminars, Cosmopolitan Bar Review
Member, Sub-Committee on Evidence, Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court, Supreme Court
Member, Committee on Rules, Court of Appeals, 2008
Bar Examiner in Remedial Law, 2008 Bar Examinations
Associate Justice, Supreme Court, April 3, 2009

Awards:

Bronze Medalist, National Spellling Bee, 2nd year high school level, 1963 Childrenï¿½s Week, National Museum & Library
Outstanding Alumnus in Government Service , UE Law Alumni Association, Inc.,
July 27, 1991
Outstanding Alumnus in the Field of Law, UE Law Alumni Association, Inc., November 22, 1991
Best Decision in Civil Law, Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro Memorabillia Commission, 10th Annual Awards for Judicial Excellence, June 15, 2000
Best Decision in Criminal Law, Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro Memorabillia Commission, 10th Annual Awards for Judicial Excellence, June 15, 2000
Outstanding Alumnus in the Judiciary, UE Law Alumni Association, Inc., October 6, 2001
Outstanding RTC Judge for 2002, Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award, 11th Judicial Excellence, June 14, 2002
60 Most Outstanding Alumni Award, Diamond Jubilee Awards, University of the East, September 29, 2006

Professional and Civil Organizations:

Member, Scintilla Juris Fraternity
Member, Abra Historical Association
Member, UP Alumni Association, 1968
Member, UP Political Science Club, 1966-1968
Founder, Beneficial Life Employees Association, Inc. ,1970
Member, San Juan Pinaglabanan Jaycees, 1981-1983
Member, Philippine Judges Association, 1986-2003
President, UE Law Alumni Association, Inc., 1988-1990
President, BF Excutive Triangle Homeowners Association, Inc., 1989-1990
Overall Chairman, President, Organizing Committee, UE Law Alumni Association, Grand Reunion,1990
Member, Committee on Awards, President, UE Law Alumni Association, 1990
Lifetime member, Phillipine Association of Law Professorsm 1991
Co-Chairman, Committee on Awards, President, UE Law Alumni Association, 1992-1993
Founding President, DWCB-CSC Alumni Association Inc., 1992
Member, International Law Association, 1995

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Tenure: December 07, 2007 – May 16, 2010
Appointed by: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Birthdate: May 17, 1940
Place of Birth: Manila

Education:

Arrellano High School
Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence, University of the Philippines, 1962
Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines, 1962
Master of Comparative Laws, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, 1967 (with honors and valedictorian)
Master of Laws, University of California, Berkely, California, 1968
Doctor of Juridical Science, University of Illinois, Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 1969
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, Philippine Wesleyan University, 1994
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Angeles University Foundation, April 20, 2005
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Bulacan State University, August 30, 2005
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Hannam University, South Korea, October 26, 2005
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of the East, April 18, 2007
Doctor of Public Administration, honoris Causa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, May 4, 2007
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of Cebu, March 15, 2008
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Central Philippines University, March 30, 2008
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Philippine Women’s University, April 11, 2008
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan, March 20, 2009

Professional Career:

Assistant Attorney, Gerardo Roxas and Abraham F. Sarmiento Law Office, 1962-1963
Tax Attorney, Joint Legislative and Executive Tax Commission, 1963-1967
Partner, Puno Law Office, 1969-1971
Professor of Law, Far Eastern University, 1969-1973
Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor General, 1971-1974
Acting Judge, Quezon City, Branch II, 1972-1974
Assistant Solicitor General, 1974-1982
Bar Examiner in Criminal Law, 1979
Associate Justice, Court of Appeals, 1980-1984
Deputy Minister of Justice, November 7, 1984
Acting Chairman, Board of Pardons and Parole, February 1985
Associate Justice, Court of Appeals, August 1, 1986
Bar Examiner in Mercantile Law, 1989
Lecturer, U.P. Law Center, Institute of Judicial Administration
Special Lecturer in Constitutional Law, Philippine Judicial Academy
Bar Examiner in Taxation, 1993
Associate Justice, Supreme Court, Jine 1993
Chairman, Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court, 1999-present
Chairman, Raffle Committee (En Banc), 1999-present
Chairman, Court Systems Journal
Chief Justice, Supreme Court, December 6, 2006
Chairman, Committee of Zero Backlof of Cases
Chairman, Committee Digesting the Decisions of the Supreme Court
Chairman, Malcolm Trust

Awards:

Outstanding Student Award for Excellence and Leadership, Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity, U.P. College of Law, 1960, 1961, 1962
Full scholarship, Academy of American Law, 1967
Full scholarship, Walter Perry Johnson Foundation, 1968
Tuition scholarship, 1969
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Prize for excellence in Comparative International Law, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co., 1966-1967
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Prize for excellence in U.S. Constitutional Structure, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co., 1966-1967
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Prize for excellence in International Organization, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co., 1966-1967
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Prize for excellence in Problems of Doing Business Abroad, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co., 1966-1967
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Prize for excellence in Commercial Law, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co., 1966-1967
Granted Honorary Citizenship by the State of Texas, 1966
Outstanding Alumni of the , Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity, U.P. College of Law, 1975
Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines in the field of Law, 1977
One of the Outstanding Residents of Quezon City, 1979
One of the Distinguished Citizens of the Philippines, 1980
Outstanding Jurist, Araw ng Maynila Award, June 24, 1987
Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Public Service in the Judiciary, Province of Pampanga, 1987
Sunburst Award, Arrellano High School Outstanding Alumnus, 1995
Ten Outstanding Mason of the Philippines, April 26, 1990
Outstanding Alumnus, U.P. College of Law, 1996
Most Outstanding Alumnus in Law, University of the Philippines, 1997
Grand Cross Award, Supreme Council 33 Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of the Philippines, March 1998
Grand Lodge Gold Medal, Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines, April 1998
Grand Cross of Rizal, Order of the Knights of Rizal, 1998
Centennial Awardee in the field of Law, United Methodist Church, 100th Anniversary, Philippine Wesleyan University, 1999
Certificate of Recognition, 90th Founding Anniversary, U.P. College of Law, January 12, 2001
Most Outstanding Jurist Activist, Consumers Union of the Philippines, July 4, 2003
First Filipino Recipient of the Distinguished Global Alumni Award, 2003-2004, Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, March 31, 2005
Ulirang Ama Awardee, National Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Foundation of the Philippines, 2005
Lifetime Achievement Awardee of Quezon City, 67th Foundation Day Anniversary
First PHILCONSA awardee for Judicial Statesmanship
Awardee, Dr. Mariano V. de los Santos Memorial Medallion of Honor and Scroll of Commendtion, 2007
Press Freedom Awardee, Philippine Association of Publishers, 2007
Newsmaker of the Year, Philippine Graphic Magazine, 2007
Rummer-up, Person of the Year Award, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2007, 2008
Great Libertarian Award, PHILCONSA, February 10, 2008
Most Outstanding Alumnus, University of the Philippines, 2008
Most Outstanding Manila Award for Public Service, 2008
Gawad Quezon Sagisag Award, 2008
Human Cultural Asset-International Awardee, World Peace Prize Awarding Council, Seoul, Korea, 2008
The People’s Magistrate Award, PHILCONSA, February 8, 2009
Adopted Son of Caloocan City per Executive Order 014-09 issued by Mayor Enrico Echiverri, 2009
Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Award for Nationalism, Federation of Catholic Schools Alumni Association, 4th National Congress on Good Citizenship, De La Salle University, August 21-22, 2009
Defender of the Constitution Award, PHILCONSA, Fwebruary 8, 2010
Elsie and Walter A. Haas International Award, University of California, Berkely, May 16, 2010.

Professional and Civil Organizations:

Editor-in-Chief, Philippine Collegian, U.P, 1960-1961
Chairman, Editorial Board, The Law Register, U.P. College of Law, 1960-1961
Recent Documents Editor, Philippine Law Journal, U.P. College of Law, 1961-1962
Asst. Editor-in-Chief, 1962 Philippinesian, U.P., 1962
Co-Chairman, World Section of Prosecutors, 8th Manila World Law Conference of the World Peace Thru Law Center
Editorial Consultant, Journal of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Head, Philippine Delegation of Judges to observe Commercial Courts in Sydney, Australia, March 2001
Head, Philippine Delegation to the Symposium on enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Litigation, European Patent Office, Munich, Germany, September 10-14, 2001
Chairman of the Administrative Council, Puno United Methodist Church
Chairman of the Administrative Board, Knox United Methodist church
Lay Preacher, United Methodist Church
12.Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council of the S.G.I.G of the thirty-third and last degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Philippines, 1991-1994
Grandmaster, Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, 1984
Knight of Rizal
U.P. Law Alumni
16.Alpha Phi Beta Alumni

Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban

Tenure: December 21, 2005 – December 06, 2006
Appointed by: Fidel V. Ramos /gloria Macapagal-arroyo

Birthdate: December 07, 1936
Place of Birth: Manila

Education:

Juan Luna Elementary School (Honorable Mention), 1950
Mapa High School (Honorable Mention), 1954
Asociate in Arts, Far Eastern University (with highest honors), 1956
Bachelor of Laws, Far Eastern University (Cum Laude), 1960
6th Placer, Philippine Bar, 1960 with a rating of 89.55%
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), University of Iloilo, 1997
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), Far Eastern University, 2002
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), University of Cebu, 2006
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), Angeles University, 2006
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), Bulacan State University, 2006

Professional Career:

Associate, Salonga, Ordonez & Associates Law Office, 1961-1963
Professor of Law, and political science, Far Eastern University, Assumption Convent and San Sebastian College (1961-1970)
Senior Partner, Panganiban, Benitez, Parlade, Africa & Barinaga Law Office (PABLAW), 1963
Legal Consultant to the Secretary of Education and the National Board of Education, 1963-1965
Charman, Workshop on Administration of Justice, Multi-Sectoral Conference to discuss the first 100-day and first 1,000-day programs of Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, June 13, 1992 and October 17, 1992 respectively
Associate Justice, Supreme Court, 1995
Chief Jutice, 2005
Special Lecturer, Philippine Judicial Academy, 2004-2006

Awards:

Most Oustanding Student,” Far Eastern University, 1959
Most Outstanding Silver Jubilarian, Mapa High School, 1979
Golden Helm Award, Senate of West Berlin and the Int’l. Association of Helmsmen, Berlin (1984)
Most Oustanding Tourism Personality Award, Skal Club of Makati (1986)
Most Oustanding Law Alumnus for 1988 (sole awardee), Far Eastern University Law Alumni Association on December 16, 1988
Silver Jubilee Awardee, Legal Management Council of the Philippines, 1990
Founder’s Award, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (1990)
Most Distinguished Alunus in the field of LAW, FEU ADVOCATE, official student newspaper of Far Eastern University, 1990
9.Oustanding Manilan for 1991, the City of Manila
Blue Falcon Awardee, Mapa High School Alumni Association, 1993
Most Oustanding Practicing Lawyer, Consumers’ Union of the Philippines, March 16, 1994
Presidential Gawad Award, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (City University of Manila), 1995
Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr. Medal of Merit, Far Eastern University, May 1, 1998
Distinguished Service Cross, Far Eastern University, 1998
Medal of Honor, Angeles University Foundation, 1999
Eminent and Distinguished Jurist Award, Consumers’ Union of the Philippines, 2002
Diamond Jubilee Award, Far Eastern University, 2003
Order of the Eastern Star, Far Eastern University, 2006
Lifetime Achievement Award, FEU Law Alumni Association, 2006
Noblessee Oblige Award , Pasig Catholic College, 2007

Professional and Civil Organizations:

President and Co-Founder, National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), (1958-1959)
President, FEU Central Student Organization (1957-1958)
President, FEU Student Catholic Action, 1960
Most Illustrious Knight, Kappa Gamma Phi Fraternity of University Scholars (1956-1957)
Staff Member, FEU Advocate (1955-1956) and FEU Green & Gold (1959-1960)
Executive Director, World University Service (1962-1965)
Professor President, FEU Law Faculty Club (1966-1967)
President, Baron Travel Corporation (1967-1993)
Director, International Corporate Bank (then known as Continental Bank) which later merged with the Union Bank, 1972-1974
President, Philippine Society of Travel Agents (1974-1976)
President, Arpan Tourism Industries Corporation (1974-1993)
Vice- President, Legal Management Council of the Philippines (1976-1977)
President, Tourism Organization of the Philippines, 1977-1986
Consultant, World Tourism Organization (WTO), (1978-1981)
President, Philippine Association of Tourist Transport Operators (1979-1987)
Honorary Counsul, Republic of Honduras (1981-1983)
International Chairman, American Society of Travel Agents (first Asian to head ASTA International, the largest travel association in the world), 1985-1986
President, FEU Law Alumni Association (1986-1987)
Chief Legal Counsel, Liberal Party (1987-1991)
Trustee, Alumni of Student Catholic Action (1989-90)
Director and Secretary, Manila Polo Club (1990-1991)
President, RCM Eyebank Foundation, Inc. (1990-1995)
Governor, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), 1990-1994
President, Rotary Club of Manila (First and largest Rotary Club in Asia) 1990-1991
Vice-President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), 1991-1995
President, Philippine-Finland Association (1991-1995)
President, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1991-1992
CHAIRMAN, National Legal Committee, Boy Scouts of the Phils.(BSP) (1991-1992)
Chief Legal Counsel, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) 1991-1995
LAY DELEGATE, Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II), January-February 1991
Adopted Son of San Fernando” by the City Government of San Fernando (Pampanga)
Chairman, National Union of Students Alumni Association (1991-1995)
Chairman, District Conference of Rotary District 3810 (Feb.28 – Mar. 1991)
Secretary, Council of the Laity of the Philippines (CLP), 1991-1993
Legal Counsel, Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association – MAPSA May 7, 1993 – October 9, 1995
National Vice Chairman (ad Chief Legal Counsel, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), 1993-1995
Servant Leader, Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) Covenant Community and Chairman, BLD Foundation Inc., 1994-1995
Chairman, MAP Management Man of the Year 1994 Award
39.MEMBER, PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE LAITY, appointed by Pope John Paul II for a five-year term. During the 1996-2001 term, he was the only Filipino in this Council which was composed of 30 Catholic leaders, chosen by the Pope from various countries to advise him on “all matters involving the Christian life of the faithful.”
Member, Manila Polo Club, Tagaytay Highlands Golf Club, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Sta. Elena Golf Club, Villamor Golf Club
Special Minister of Holy Communion, Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Makati City
Honorary Member, Consular Corps of the Philippines
Honorary Member, Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society, UP Chapter
Honorary Member, San Beda Law Alumni Association
“Adopted Son of Cebu” by the Cebu Provincial Government
MEMBER of the following organizations: Bishop-Businessmen’s Conference (BBC), Young Presidents’ Organizations (YPO) and SKAL Club of Manila
Columnist/Opinion Writer, Philippine Dialy Inquirer, 2007-present
Independent Director, First Philippine Holding Corp. of the Lopez Group
Independent Director, Metro Pacific Investment Corp. of Indonesian-controlled First Pacific Co. (H.K.)
Independent Director, GMA Network, 2007-present
Independent Director, Robinson Land Corp of the Gokongwei Group
Independent Director, Manila North Tollways Corp. and Tollways Management Corp., 2008-present
Independent Director, Meralco, May 27, 2007 to present
Senior Adviser, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., 2008 to present

Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide

Tenure: November 30, 1998 – December 20, 2005
Appointed by: Estrada

Birthdate: December 20, 1935
Place of Birth: Colawin, Argao, Cebu

Education:

Elementary : Argao (Cebu) Elementary School, 1949
High School : Abellana Vocational High School, Cebu City, 1953
College : University of the Philippines (U.P.) Diliman, Quezon City
Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines, 1959
Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence, University of the Philippines, 1958
Associate in Arts, University of the Philippines, 1955
Degree of Doctor, honoris causa, Soka University, Japan, March 2002
Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa, Polytechnique University of the Philippines, December 9, 2005
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of Cordilleras, Baguio City, May 2004
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, Northern Christian College, Laoag City, March 2004
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, for Peace and Development, Notre Dame University, Cotabato City, March 2004
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, March 2003
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, De La Salle, Manila, June 2001
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, April 2001
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of the Philippines, April 2001
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Far Eastern University, Manila, April 2001
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, University of the Visayas, Cebu City, March 2001
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, Ateneo de Manila University, March 2001
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, University of Cebu, Cebu City, March 2000
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Southwestern University, Cebu City, March 1999

Professional Career:

Private Secretary to the Vice Governor and then to the Governor of Cebu, 1959 – 1963
Faculty Member, College of Law, Southwestern University, Cebu City, 1962 – 1968
Delegate, Constitutional Convention, representing the 4th District of Cebu, 1971
Assemblyman, Interim Batasang Pambansa representing Region VII, June 12, 1978 – June 30, 1984
Commissioner, Constitutional Commission of 1986 which drafted the 1987 Constitution, June 2, 1986 – Oct. 15, 1986
Chairman, Commission on Elections, Feb. 16, 1988 – Jan. 11, 1990
Chairman, The Presidential Fact Finding Commission, Dec. 7, 1989 – Jan. 11, 1990
Chairman, The Presidential Fact Finding Commission, Jan. 12, 1990 – Jan. 15, 1991
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Nov. 30, 1998 – Dec. 20, 2005
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Jan. 24, 1991 – Nov. 29, 1998
Chairman, Judicial and Bar Council
Presiding Officer, Presidential Impeachment Court
Chairman, Presidential Electoral Tribunal
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Philippine Judicial Academy
Chairman, Executive Committee, Judicial Reform Program

Awards:

Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service, Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, Aug. 31, 2002
UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus Award, Univerisity of the Philippines Alumni Association, June 25, 2005
Outstanding Citizen of Quezon City in the field of the Judiciary, Quezon City government, Oct. 12, 2004
Most Outstanding Plebeian Achievement Award, Kapatirang Plebeian Foundation, Inc. June 19, 2004
2003 Man of the Year, Philippine Free Press, December 2003
Bayani ng Katarungan Award, Kilosbayan and Bantay Katarungan, Nov. 2003
Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion Award for Legal Aid (First Awardee), Integrated Bar of the Philippines, June 2003
Jose P. Laurel Award, Lyceum of the Philippines, Mar. 7, 2002
Rizal Peace Award, University of Southern Philippines, Cebu City, Aug. 2001
Chino Roces Freedom Award, Chino P. Roces Foundation, Inc. Aug. 27, 2001
Signun Lasallianum Award, University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City), July 2001
Outstanding Professional Awardee in Law, University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA), June 2001
Rule of Law Award, Chief Justice Teehankee Foundation and the Center for the Rule of Law, April 2001
Grand Perlas Award, Philippine Foundation, Inc. March 2001
Award of Excellence for his performance in the Impeachment Trial, Bantay Katarungan, Feb. 2001
Rajah Humabon Award, Feb. 2001
Filipino of the Year 2000 Award, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jan. 14, 2001
Millennium Medal of Merit, Rizalian Year 2000, Order of the Knights of Columbus
Medallion of Judicial Excellence, Professional Regulation Commission, June 2000
Ten Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award in the field of Environmental Law, Philippine Jaycee Senate, March 1999
Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, 1998
National Maagap Award, Organized Response for the Advancement of Society, Inc. 1998
Plaque of Merit, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Cebu Province Chapter, Apr. 27, 1985
One of the Ten Outstanding Assemblyman of the Interim Batasang Pambansa, The People’s Free Press, Ten Outstanding Assemblymen Special Tribute (TOAST) ’83, May 9, 1984
Plaque of Appreciation as one of the Ten Outstanding Cebuano Alumni, U.P. Alumni Association of Cebu, 1981
Plaque of Appreciation, Commission on Elections, 1973
Certificate of Merit, U.P. Alumni Association, 1972
Certificate of Merit, Philippine Law Journal, 1959
Outstanding Plebeian, U.P., 1957

Professional and Civil Organizations:

First Honorary Member of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Philippine National Committee, conferred during the International Women’s Day Celebration on 10 March 2005
One of the Honorary Presidents of the WORLD JURIST ASSOCIATION of the World Peace Through Law Center up to September 2005; and one of the officers as President of the World Association of Law Professors, September 2005
Member, Advisory Council of Eminent Jurists, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Office for Asia and Pacific
Member, Ad Hoc Advisory Group of Judges for UNEP organized during the January 2003 UNEP meeting in Nairobi, Kenya
Member, Center for Democracy, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
Member, University of the Philippines Cebu Law Alumni Association
Vice President, Bar Association of Cebu
Grand Knight, Fr. Matias Lucero Council No. 6054, Knights of Columbus in the Philippines Inc. (Cebue Chapter)
Director for Community Services, KC-Philippine Senate
State Advocate for the Visayas Jurisdiction, Knights of Columbus in the Philippines
Member, Administrative and Finance Board, Archdiocese of Cebu

Chief Justice Andres R. Narvasa

Tenure: December 08, 1991 – November 30, 1998
Appointed by: Aquino

Birthdate: November 30, 1928
Place of Birth: Manila

Education:

Elementary : Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 1938 (salutatorian)
Secondary : Arellano High School, 1945 (valedictorian)
Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines, 1951 (magna cum laude)
2nd Place, Bar Exam of 1951
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, April 15, 1992
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), University of Santo Tomas, November 21, 1992
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), Angeles University Foundation, April 1, 1993

Professional Career:

Law Practitioner since 1952
Head, Andres R. Narvasa & Associates
Professor of Law, 1952
Bar Reviewer, 1959
Legal Counsel, University of Santo Tomas, 1973
Dean, Faculty of Civil Law, University of Santo Tomas, 1967 – 1973
Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, University of Santo Tomas, 1969 – 1972
Member of the Board of Trustees, University of Santo Tomas, 1974
President of the Faculty Club, University of Santo Tomas, 1969
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, April 11, 1986
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, December 8, 1991

Awards:

Award of Distinction, University of Santo Tomas, February 28. 1972
Award for Outstanding Achievements in Legal Education, Faculty of Civil Law, University of Santo Tomas, September 2, 1981
Appreciation Certificate, UST College of Nursing, 1970
Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition, 1st Summer Seminar on Educational Management, University of Santo Tomas, May 1972
Appreciation Certificate, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, August 11, 1973
Plaque of Appreciation, Faculty Association of UST, October 18, 1978
Award for Meritorious Service, Faculty of Civil Law, September 2, 1981 & September 4, 1982
Plaque of Appreciation, 1953 Law Class of UST, March 26, 1983
Award as Most Outstanding Honor Graduate for 1983 – 1984 for exemplary public service, July 28, 1984
Plaque of Merit as Most Outstanding Alumnus of Faculty of Civil Law, UST Alumni Foundation, Inc., September 1, 1984
Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, May 1977
Human Rights Award, Concerned Women of the Philippines, December 9, 1984
Ninoy Aquino Movement for Freedom, Justice, Peace and Democracy of the United States of America, August 1985
Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, June 19, 1992
Outstanding Manilan ’93, 422nd Araw ng Maynila Executive Committee, June 24, 1993

Chief Justice Marcelo B. Fernan

Tenure: July 01, 1988 – December 06, 1991
Appointed by: Aquino

Birthdate: October 24, 1927
Died: July 18, 1999
Place of Birth: Cebu City

Education:

Scholastic:

1950 – 51(Student Council)- President, University of the Philippines, Junior
1951 – 52 (Student Council) – President, University of the Philippines, University
President, Student Councils Association of the Philippines (SCAP)
Bachelor of Laws – University of the Philippines
Member, Phi Kappha Phi & Pi Gamma Mu(International Honor Societies)
1953 – Master of Laws – Harvard Law School, U.S.A.

Civic & Social Work:

1955 – 57 – President, Cebu Jaycees
1964 – 65 – President, Rotary Club of Cebu West
1965 – 66 – President, Cebu Country Club
1980 – 88 – Chairman,Cebu Newspaper Workers Foundation, Inc.

Legal & Educational:

1963 – 1970 – Associate and later Professorial Lecturer University of the Philippines
1965 – 1986 – Dean, College of Law, University of San Jose-Recoletos and now Dean Emeritus
1971 – 1978 – Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of San Carlos
1974 – 1975 – Secretary General, Academy of American & International Law Alumni Association (Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.)
1977 – 1979 – National President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
1980 – Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, U.S.A.
1984 – 1986 – President, Philippine Association of Law Schools
1984 – 1987 – Chairman, Law Association for Asia and the Western Pacific (LAWASIA) Human Rights Standing Committee
1987 – 1990 – President, Philippine Society of International Law
Nov. 1986 – Chairman, LAWASIA Judicial Section
July 1987 – Chairman, Philippine National Committee ASEAN Law Association President, Philippine Fulbright Scholars Association President, Fellows of Asia (FELTAF) Foundation

Public Service:

1959 – 1961 – Member, Cebu Provincial Board
1971 – 1972 – Delegate, Constitutional Convention (representing the 2nd District of Cebu)
1984 – 1986 – Assemblyman, (representing Cebu City) and Assistant Minority Floor Leader, Batasan Pambansa
April 9, 1986 – June 30, 1988 – Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines
Jan. 12 – June 30, 1987 – Chairman, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Second Division
July 1, 1987 – June 30, 1988 – Chairman, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Third Division
Sept. 1, 1987 – June 30, 1988 – Chairman, House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal
July 1, 1988 – Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines Chairman, Judicial and Bar Council

Honorary Degrees Received:

November 4, 1988 – University of San Carlos, Cebu City “Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa”
March 18, 1989 – University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu City “Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa”
March 22, 1989 – Centro Escolar University “Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa”
April 1, 1989 – AngelesUniversity Foudnation, Angeles City, Pampanga “Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa”

Professional Career: Awards:

1965 – Most Outstanding Law Practitioner in Cebu City Most Outstanding University of the Philippines Alumnus in Civic Affairs in Cebu City
1971 – Most Outstanding JCI Senator in the Field of Education
1977 – University of the Philippines Professional Achievement Awardee in the Field of Law
1981 – University of the Philippines Cebu Achievement Awardee as Legal Teacher & Practitioner
1986 – Most Outstanding JCI Senator of the Philippines
1989- The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awardee – JCI Senate
1990 – World Jurist Award, World Peace Through Law Center, 14th Conference in Beijing, People’s Republic of China First Recipient of the Southwestern Legal Foundation’s Robert G. Storey International Award for Leadership

Professional and Civil Organizations:

Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee

Tenure: April 02, 1986 – April 18, 1988
Appointed by: Marcos/aquino

Birthdate: April 18, 1918
Died:November 27, 1989
Place of Birth:Manila

Education:

A.B., Ateneo de Manila, 1938 (summa cum laude)
Bachelor of Laws, Ateneo de Manila, 1940 (summa cum laude)
1st Place 1940 Bar Exam with an average of 94.35%
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa (Ateneo de Manila University);
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (University of the Philippines);
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (Ateneo de Davao University);
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (Centro Escolar University);
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (University of Iloilo);
Doctor of Laws honoris causa (Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan)
Doctorate of Philosophy, honoris causa, by the Fu-Jen Catholic University of Taiwan.

Professional Career:

Law Practice, 1941
Undersecretary of Justice, January 15, 1966
Secretary of Justice, August 17, 1967 – December 16, 1968
Chairman, Board of Pardons & Parole
Chairman, Anti-Dummy Board
Chairman, Peace and Order Council
Chairman, Presidential Advisory Panel
Head, President’s Action Group
Vice-Chairman, Peace and Order Coordinating Council
Member, Council of State
Member, National Security Council
Member, Development Council
Member, Surigao Mineral Reservation Board
Member, Cabinet Committee on Public Bids
Associate Justice, Supreme Court, April 19, 1979
Acting Chief Justice, March 7, 1986
Chief Justice, Supreme Court, April 2, 1986

Awards:

Citation of the Ateneo de Manila University in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (1986):
“In the Supreme .Court, during the dark days of martial law, no one knew, certainly not President Marcos, that Mr. Teehankee would defy the tyranny of numbers and cast doubt on the validity of his regime, question the justness of its cause, and belie its adherence to the rule of law. Consistently, Mr. Teehankee’s dissenting opinions valiantly stripped away the curtains of legality that Mr. Marcos draped over his regime.
“True to the Supreme Court’s tradition of independence, Mr. Teehankee’s erudite dissents during the dark days of the Marcos regime, remained a steady flicker of light, encouraging the fainthearted and inspiring hope. With the courage of his convictions, and with integrity, he rose above the loneliness of his cause, the risk to his life and liberty, as he fought to preserve the rule of law.
“The days of the Marcos regime may have been the darkest in Philippine history. They were also days when Mr. Teehankee’s courage shone the brightest.”
Citation of the University of the Philippines in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1987):
“For his steadfast devotion, selfless courage and singular dedication to the principles of liberty, morality in government, constitutionalism, and the rule of law as a jurist, administrator of justice -and public servant;
“For his deep and consistent advocacy of human rights, justice, and freedom, without regard to the expediency of his cause, and at risk to his life and liberty as he uncompromisingly upheld the rule of law.
“For his extraordinary strength of character demonstrated by keeping faith, when it was convenient to lend it away, with the maintenance of a strong and independent judiciary, thereby keeping alive, during the critical period of our history as a nation, the hope of the Filipino people for a judiciary worthy of their respect and confidence. “
Citation of the Ateneo de Davao University in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1986):
“For public service as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by dauntless adherence to the Rule of Law, by his unprecedented legal opinions to preserve the people’s faith in constitutional guarantees on human freedom.”
Citation of the CentroEscolarUniversity in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1986):
“For his deep and consistent advocacy of human rights, justice and freedom as shown in the opinions he has been rendering during his seventeen years of service in the Supreme Court.”
Citation of the University of Iloilo in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1987):
“In recognition of his selfless dedication and unfaltering loyalty to the cause of truth, justice and equity;
“For his judicial leadership in preserving the people’s trust and confidence in the Supreme Court as demonstrated by his uncompromising adherence to the Rule of Law during all his years of government service;
“For his relentless crusade against infringement of civil liberties by powerful forces, thus giving fuller meaning to constitutional guarantees on human freedom;
“For his unswerving devotion to high ideals and principles and his undaunted patriotism.”
Human Rights A ward conferred by the Concerned Women of the Philippines(1985):
“For his uncompromising stand in protecting the victims of abuse and injustice perpetrated by those in power.
“For providing an inspiring example of love of country, and of professional integrity and judicial independence in this dark period of Philippine history.”
Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines’ Perspective Magazine’s Award of 1985 Man of the Year:
“An apt tribute to (an) outstanding citizen whose moral courage in a period of moral bankruptcy and social degradation has provided the Filipino people (a) role model worthy of admiration and emulation.”
Knights of Rizal Pro-Patria A ward (1987):
“In humble tribute to and grateful recognition of his unselfish dedication to the cause for which the Order stands, . . . his courageous and uncompromising adherence to the Rule of Law, espousal of democratic ideals and civil liberties, and respect for human rights, unmindful of the risks and disadvantages attendant thereto during the regime of an authoritarian ruler; and his exemplary government service characterized by unparalleled competence and unquestioned integrity, . . .
“A true patriot and an undisguised nationalist, he is the epitome of what Rizal undoubtedly expected every Filipino who loves his country should be.”
United Nations Associations of the Philippines’ Carlos P. Romulo Award (1986):
“For his being the tireless guardian of the rights of people whose joy is the justice he brings through his jurisprudence, whose strength is his fidelity to peace, whose heart is with the, muffled cries of all whose basic rights have been denied.”
Citation of the Fu-jen Catholic University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa (1987):
“The Fu-jen Catholic University established in Taiwan on October 23, 1960 by His Holiness Pope John XXIII by virtue of its lawful authority granted by the Apostolic See, with the approval of the General Council of the University and consent of The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China, hereby grants the degree to Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee for his profound juridical doctrine and rectitude and integrity in political matters as well as his fervent friendship with the people of China.”
Third Distinguished Award for Justice (1988): “From the Philippine Bar Association in recognition of his contributions to the development of law and jurisprudence and exemplary conduct in the administration and pursuit of justice which have inspired the people to value their sovereignty and regard law as an instrument of justice, peace and order.”
Citation of the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in conferment of Honorary Doctorate of Laws (1988): (
“The man our University has chosen to honor this evening, embodies to an extraordinary degree those four qualities Moses sought among the first judges. His academic record at the Ateneo de Manila, his topping of the bar examinations of 1940, his lucid, superbly crafted and meticulously researched opinions as Justice of the Supreme Court, his decisions and policies as Secretary of Justice – all these point to a brilliant mind at the service of the nation.
“If we are to glean the God-fearing quality of a judge from his consistent and uncompromising stand on the protection of the rights and liberties especially of the powerless and voiceless, and the congruence between his words and his actions, between his private and public life, then our honoree clearly possesses the second quality Moses demanded of his judges.
“The third quality of a judge was that he should be trustworthy. This test our honoree meets as we go through the records especially of his courageous opinions and actions during the dark years of martial rule which saw our Supreme Court reduced to the degrading role of disguising tyranny with the veil of legality.
“Finally, Moses required of those first judges that quality, rare then and rarer still today, of incorruptibility. Our honoree could have easily taken advantage of his access to high places and connections had he been willing to betray the cause of justice whose integrity he was sworn to uphold. At a time when the expedient thing was to remain silent, he courageously proclaimed his adherence to the rule of law.
“For his singular and splendid capability and competence as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, as Secretary of Justice, and as public servant;
“For his God-fearing adherence to our Faith that demands and does justice;
“For his trustworthiness in the many important during a lifetime of service to the Republic;
“For his incorruptibility in the face of a regime that cynically thought every man, even a Justice of the Supreme Court, can be bought;
“For being a beacon of light, courage, and hope to our nation during its own exodus from dictatorship back to democracy.”

About Him:
He attended several international conferences on the law and the judiciary. Thus, he was: Delegate, Third International Congress of Jurists held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 11-15, 1962; Delegate, First International Conference of Appellate Judges, Manila, 1977, Second International Conference of Appellate Judges, Sydney-Canberra, Australia, 1980, Third International Conference of Appellate Judges, New Delhi, India, 1984, and Fourth International Conference of Appellate Judges, Kuala Lumpur, April 1987; and Delegate, World Peace Through Law Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 1983; Head, Philippine Delegation, General Assembly of the Asean Law Association (ALA), Bangkok, Thailand, 1986; Closing Speaker, International Conference on “A New Road for the Philippines”, sponsored by the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, et al., at Tufts University, Medford, Mass., U.S.A., 1986; Conference Participant, LAWASIA Conference of Chief Justices at Islamabad, Pakistan; and Panel Speaker, Columbia University School of Law Bicentennial Conference on the U.S. Constitution, 1987.

Professional and Civil Organizations:

Chairman, Civil Liberties Union of the Philippines, 1950, 1952, 1960 and 1963 – January 17, 1966
Supreme Commander Emeritus, Order of the Knights of Rizal
Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees, Civil Liberties Foundation, Inc.
President, Ateneo Alumni Association, 1953 and 1954
Member, President Magsaysay’s Asian Good Neighbors Relations Commission, 1954 – 1957
Director, National Movement for Free Elections, 1953 – 1963
Co-Founder, Nationalist Citizens Party

Chief Justice Felix V. Makasiar

Tenure: July 25, 1985 – November 19, 1985
Appointed by: Marcos

Birthdate: November 20, 1915
Died: February 19, 1992
Place of Birth: Siaton, Negros Oriental

Education:

Bachelor of Law, University of the Philippines, 1939 (cum laude & salutatorian)
Master of Laws, (meritissimus neminem discrepanti), University of Santo Tomas, 1948
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea, 1975

Professional Career:

Attorney, Department of Justice, 1940; Law Division and in the Code Commission
Acting Chief Attorney, Law Division, Malacañang
Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor General
Judge, CFI of Bacolod City and Negros, 1954 – 1956
Judge, CFI of Nueva Ecija and Cabanatuan City, 1956 – 1964
Judge, CFI of Rizal and Pasig, 1964 – 1967
Judge, CFI of Manila
Undersecretary of Justice, August 1967
Chairman, Board of Pardons and Parole,
Chairman, Deportation Board
Chairman, Censorship Board
Solicitor General, December 1968
Secretary of Justice, March 1970
Chairman of the Board of PNB, NIDC, CCPI, Phil. Exchange
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, August 7, 1970
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, July 25, 1985
Professional and Civic Organizations:
Member, Philippine Chapter of the International Commission of Jurists
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Philippine Bar Association
Delegate, Human Rights conference, Seoul, Korea, October 1985 – a division of the International Bar Association

About Him:

In the elementary school, he tied with the valedictorian in general average and was graduated salutatorian for lack at residence. In high school, he tied with another graduate for highest average but both were not considered valedictorian or salutatorian for lack of residence.
Makasiar’s own father, Agustin, although he never studied law, was justice of the peace of Siaton and Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, after having been school teacher and school principal and supervising teacher in three districts in Negros Oriental.
Justice Makasiar became chairman of the 1971 Bar examinations and of the Second Division of the Court in 1983. He held the chairmanship of the Judiciary Code Committee, and was Vice-Chairman of the Committee on the Revised Rules of Court; served as consultant in the codification of the Sharia’h (Muslim) Code of Justice; and was chairman of the first Sharia’h Bar examinations held in 1984.
He has served in the faculties of MLQU Law School, San Beda Law College, Arellano University Law College, and National University College of Law, Occidental Negros Law School, Bar Reviewer in U.P., San Beda, Ateneo University. As a law professor, he holds the Justice Jose P. Laurel Chair on Political and Constitutional Law.
He was co-chairman with the then Chief Justice Enrique M. Fernando of the Filipino delegation to the 1979 World Peace thru Law conference in Madrid, Spain, and the International Law Association conference in Paris, France, from August to September, 1984, as well as the International Bar Association conference in Vienna, Austria in September, 1984. He was also the head of the Filipino delegation to the conference of the World Peace thru Law in September, 1982, in Montreal, Canada, as well as delegate to the 1979 conference of Associacion Internacionale de Advocate in Cannes, France.
The Chief Justice’s interests are down-to-earth, concerned as he is with the plight of the little man, who, bereft of power and influence, relies on the understanding and sympathy of those in authority to accord him his share of justice. In his interpretation of the Constitution, he is a moderate liberal.

Awards:

Professional and Civil Organizations:

The Supreme Court Under
the 1987 Constitution

As in the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, the 1987 Constitution provides that “[t]he judicial power shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law.” (Art. VII, Sec. 1). The exercise of judicial power is shared by the Supreme Court with all lower courts, but it is only the Supreme Court’s decisions that are vested with precedential value or doctrinal authority, as its interpretations of the Constitution and the laws are final and beyond review by any other branch of government.

Unlike the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions, however, the 1987 Constitution defines the concept of judicial power. Under paragraph 2 of Section 1, Article VIII, “judicial power” includes not only the “duty of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable” but also “to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the government.” This latter provision dilutes the effectivity of the “political question” doctrine which places specific questions best submitted to the political wisdom of the people beyond the review of the courts.

Building on previous experiences under former Constitutions, the 1987 Constitution provides for specific safeguards to ensure the independence of the Judiciary. These are found in the following provisions:

- The grant to the Judiciary of fiscal autonomy. “Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.” (Art. VIII, Sec. 3).
- The grant to the Chief Justice of authority to augment any item in the general appropriation law for the Judiciary from savings in other items of said appropriation as authorized by law. (Art. VI, Sec. 25[5])
- The removal from Congress of the power to deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases enumerated in Section 5 of Article VIII.
- The grant to the Court of the power to appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance with the Civil Service Law (Art. VIII, Sec. 5 [6])
- The removal from the Commission of Appointments of the power to confirm appointments of justices and judges (Art. VIII, Sec. 8)
- The removal from Congress of the power to reduce the compensation or salaries of the Justices and judges during their continuance in office. (Art. VIII, Sec. 10)
- The prohibition against the removal of judges through legislative reorganization by providing that “(n)o law shall be passed reorganizing the Judiciary when it undermines the security of tenure of its members. (Art. VIII, Sec. 2)
- The grant of sole authority to the Supreme Court to order the temporary detail of judges. (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[3])
- The grant of sole authority to the Supreme Court to promulgate rules of procedure for the courts. (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5])
- The prohibition against designating members of the Judiciary to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative function. (Art. VIII, Sec. 12)
- The grant of administrative supervision over the lower courts and its personnel in the Supreme Court. (Art. VIII, Sec. 6)

The Supreme Court under the present Constitution is composed of a Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices. The members of the Court are appointed by the President from a list, prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council, of at least three nominees for every vacancy. This new process is intended to “de-politicize” the courts of justice, ensure the choice of competent judges, and fill existing vacancies without undue delay.

The Supreme Court Under
the Revolutionary Government

Shortly after assuming office as the seventh President of the Republic of the Philippines after the successful People Power Revolution, then President Corazon C. Aquino declared the existence of a revolutionary government under Proclamation No. 1 dated February 25, 1986. Among the more significant portions of this Proclamation was an instruction for “all appointive officials to submit their courtesy resignations beginning with the members of the Supreme Court.” The call was unprecedented, considering the separation of powers that the previous Constitutions had always ordained, but understandable considering the revolutionary nature of the post-People Power government. Heeding the call, the members of the Judiciary—from the Supreme Court to the Municipal Circuit Courts—placed their offices at the disposal of the President and submitted their resignations. President Corazon C, Aquino proceeded to reorganize the entire Court, appointing all 15 members.

On March 25, 1986, President Corazon Aquino, through Proclamation No. 3, also abolished the 1973 Constitution and put in place a Provisional “Freedom” Constitution. Under Article I, Section 2 of the Freedom Constitution, the provisions of the 1973 Constitution on the judiciary were adopted insofar as they were not inconsistent with Proclamation No. 3.

Article V of Proclamation No. 3 provided for the convening of a Constitutional Commission composed of 50 appointive members to draft a new constitution; this would be implemented by Proclamation No. 9. Under the leadership of retired SC Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma as its President, the Constitutional Commission of 1986 submitted its output of to the people for ratification.

By a vote of 76.30%, the Filipino people then ratified the Constitution submitted to them in a national plebiscite on February 2, 1987.

President Aquino, other civilian officials, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, upon the announcement of the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, swore allegiance to the new charter on February 11, 1987 thereby putting an end to the revolutionary government.

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Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta

Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin

Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban

Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide

Chief Justice Andres R. Narvasa

Chief Justice Marcelo B. Fernan

Chief Justice Pedro L. Yap

Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee

Chief Justice Ramon C. Aquino

Chief Justice Felix V. Makasiar

Chief Justice Enrique M. Fernando

Chief Justice Fred Ruiz Castro

Chief Justice Querube C. Makalintal

Chief Justice Roberto R. Concepcion

Chief Justice Ricardo M. Paras

Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran

Chief Justice Jose Yulo

Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos

Chief Justice Ramon Q. Avancena

Chief Justice Manuel G. Araullo

Chief Justice Victorino M. Mapa

Chief Justice Cayetano S. Arellano

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The Supreme Court Under the 1987 Constitution

The Supreme Court Under the Revolutionary Government

The Supreme Court Under the 1973 Constitution

The Supreme Court of the Second Republic

The Supreme Court During the Commonwealth

The Establishment of the Supreme Court of the Philippines

The Judicial System During the American Occupation

The Judicial System Under the Spanish Regime

The Judicial System of the Pre-Colonization Filipinos

The Supreme Court Under
the 1987 Constitution

The Supreme Court Under
the Revolutionary Government

The Supreme Court Under
the 1973 Constitution

The Supreme Court of
the Second Republic

The Supreme Court During
the Commonwealth

The Establishment of
the Supreme Court of the Philippines

The Judicial System During
the American Occupation

The Judicial System Under
the Spanish Regime

The Judicial System of the
Pre-Colonization Filipinos