Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Ex-chief justice recognized as Cebu’s newly adopted son
THE number of Cebuanos who have held the highest position in the Supreme Court (SC) is now four, after former SC chief justice Artemio Panginiban formally became an adopted son of the Province yesterday.
“This is really a great surprise because I thought that it will just be (an ordinary) program...I am overwhelmed with joy at being one of the greatest sons of this province and to be numbered among the Cebuanos is already a great honor,” Panganiban told reporters after the ceremony.
Panganiban received a plaque of appreciation from Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez and the rest of the Provincial Board (PB).
During his speech, he said he was greatly honored that Cebu adopted him.
‘Great leaders’
He described Cebuanos to be the “most illustrious and great leaders,” noting presidents, vice presidents, senators, speaker of the House of Representatives and now, four chief justices, who are all children of the province.
The other Cebuano chief justices were the late Pedro Yap who held the post in 1988; the late Marcelo Fernan who was chief justice from 1988-1999; and Hilario Davide Jr., who served from 1998-2005.
Panganiban, who retired last December, had replaced Davide.
Last November, Panganiban led the marker-laying ceremony at the site of the permanent home of the Court of Appeals (CA) Cebu station on M. Velez St.
It was there that Court Administrator of the SC Christopher Lock, a Cebuano, dropped the suggestion of conferring to Panganiban the honor.
PB Member Agnes Magpale immediately sponsored a resolution to do so.
The conferment ceremony was held at the session hall of the legislative building.
Most of the Cebu City Regional Trial Court judges, headed by Executive Judge Simeon Dumdum, were also in attendance.
The vice governor said adoption is a “choice” not an accident, and Panganiban exemplifies that great choice.
The governor, for her part, said the former chief justice “reflects the character that defines the Cebuanos.”
“He represents Cebuano creativity and ingenuity by having been the most prolific writer of decisions at the SC, decisions characterized by a distinct facility of language and clarity of thought,” Garcia said.
Independent spirit
“Finally, he represents the Cebuano’s independent spirit in crucial decisions bearing on important issues, including those on which probably hung on the nation’s fate itself,” she said.
Former governor Pablo Garcia and PB Member Victor Maambong agreed, noting Panganiban’s opinion in the people’s initiative, which the SC junked.
“There was a political storm settled by the very firm judicial hand that for me triggered the impression that he did not only have guts, he had leadership as well as judicial statesmanship,” Maambong said of Panganiban.
Aside from his decisions in the SC, Pablo also acknowledged Panganiban’s role in the establishment of the CA in Cebu.
When asked how close Cebu is to his heart, Panganiban said: “Very close...in fact, last year, during my term as chief justice, I came to Cebu six times, more than any other place.”
Now that he is a Cebuano, Panganiban promised to return often and will even try to learn the language. (JGA)
