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Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Davide lauds Sabino, says SC under attack
By Benjamin B. Pulta
THE judiciary bid its final farewell Tuesday to retired Associate Justice Sabino R. De Leon, Jr. who died last week.
Speaking during the necrological services at the SC en banc Tuesday night, Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide Jr. said De Leon worked to protect the Supreme Court from attacks.
"He spoke to protect this institution, established by law, the Constitution, and as the last bulwark of democracy, the guardian of the Constitution and the rules of law. He did so because he knew the Court committed no unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, unjust, wrongful, or immoral act," Davide said in his speech.
"He knew, in his heart and mind, that what the court did was for the country and the people, to prevent violence and bloodshed, to protect democracy and preserve the rule of law," Davide said.
"We assure you, Justice De Leon, that we, whom you left behind, will continue your watch and defend the institution-the Supreme Court-which is truly worth dying for. Be unceasing in your prayers for the Court and for us," the Chief Justice said.
De Leon died last June 17 in the hospital after he suffered a seizure. Born in Pilar, Bataan, de Leon was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on October 11, 1999.
De Leon's service in the Judiciary began on January 17, 1983 when he was appointed as Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 34, Gapan, Nueva Ecija.
From January 1986 to March 26 1990, he was the Presiding Judge of the RTC of Manila, Branch 28. He was promoted on March 28, 1990 to the position of associate justice of the Sandiganbayan where he subsequently became chairman of its Fourth Division.
De Leon was also assistant attorney in the corporation law firm of ex-judge Angel S. Gamboa from 1958-1960. He engaged further in private law practice while holding various esteemed positions in the private sector.
He was general counsel and vice-president of the legal department of Republic Bank and later a founding partner of the Asuncion, Gomez & De Leon Law Office with offices at the then Pacific Bank Building, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
De Leon's death came a week after his 71st birthday.
(June 25, 2003 issue)
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