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(Remarks of Dr. Alberto G. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the dinner hosted by former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban in honor of H.E. Archbishop Edward J. Adams, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of Diplomatic Corps, 11 February 2008)
I am pleased and honored to join you this evening.
I thank former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban for this gracious invitation.
Cited by his colleagues in the Supreme Court as “the 21st Century’s Renaissance Jurist,” the former Chief Justice has had an enviable judicial record noteworthy for its independence, integrity and erudition.
Among the many honors he had received in the past was his appointment by the late Pope John Paul II as the only Filipino to serve in the Pontifical Council for the laity for the term 1996 to 2001.
As our host this evening, former Chief Justice Panganiban has drawn us all together to honor the Papal Nuncio His Excellency, Most Reverend Edward Joseph Adams as well as members of the diplomatic corps of which the Papal Nuncio is Dean.
His Excellency’s journey is a tale that is mirrored in the careers of our equally distinguished members of the diplomatic corps.
Since joining the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1976, His Excellency was in the Pontifical Missions in Rwanda, then successively at the Apostolic Nunciatures in Kenya, Honduras, Ireland, Denmark and the Czech Republic.
He was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh in 1996 and to Zimbabwe in 2002. Now we are happy and honored with His Excellency as Papal Nuncio to the Philippines.
Tonight, therefore, I take this opportunity to thank the diplomatic corps – headed by Your Excellency – and the legal community of the Philippines – lead by former Chief Justice Panganiban – for your contributions to our nation’s interest and well-being.
Indeed, diplomacy is an essential tool for consolidating support and generating consensus in the collective growth and stability of nations.
And adherence to the rule of law – both international and domestic – is the foundation stone upon which we build a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous world.
Both diplomacy and the rule of law have brought the stakeholders of Mindanao to the negotiating table.
Through diplomacy – supported by our friends in the international community – we worked towards the successful conclusion of the GRP—MNLF Agreement to bring peace and silence the guns in Mindanao.
Some Introductions of Chief Justice Panganiban
Ms. Chit Lijauco, Managing Editor, Philippine Tatler Magazine, May 2009 issue.IN 1992 WHEN ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN was invited by President Fidel V. Ramos to be the Justice Secretary, his response was, “Mr. President, I might be the wrong choice; I did not campaign for you.” To which Ramos answered, “ I know. You did not even vote for me!”
Robert Kwan, Chairman of the Board, St. Luke’s Hospital, upon reading two of Chief Justice Panganiban’s books“God has gifted you with prophetic words, which are great quotes. While reading them, I highlighted those quotes so hopefully my kids will also learn from them when they review the books I have read.”
Dr. Alberto G. Romulo during the Reception in Honor of H.E. Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams on February 11, 2008“Cited by his colleagues in the Supreme Court as “the 21st Century’s Renaissance Jurist,” the former Chief Justice has had an enviable judicial record noteworthy for its independence, integrity and erudition.”
H.E. Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams during the Reception on February 11, 2008“When people speak of him, they do so in the superlative, and describe him as a “gifted jurist”, a man of “intelligence, competence, integrity and independence”.”
Bishop Socrates Villegas during the Retirement of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban on December 06, 2006“...Chief Justice Art has shown us that loyalty to God and excellence in government service are not incompatible.”
Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez during the Tribute entitled “Through the Years: Celebrating the Life and Achievements of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban” on November 15, 2006“Chief Justice Panganiban joined the Supreme Court in 1995, equipped with the excellent academic and professional record. Since then, he has strengthened the Supreme Court with his competence, integrity and independence – virtues that made him a strong pillar of our institution.”
Rina Jimenez-David from Inquirer/Opinion (At Large) October 29, 2006“How he rose from frustration and defeat, to achieving every lawyer’s greatest dream is indeed an inspirational story. But I will hazard a guess that his sense of “destiny,” and how he sought to fulfil this in his years in the Court, arose not just from past experience, but from an inner fire and conviction.”
Hon. Jovito R. Salonga from his Foreword to “Liberty and Prosperity” – July 1, 2006“Chief Justice Panganiban is not awed by all sorts of criticisms, whether from friends, well-wishers, skeptics, or cynics… In a deeper sense, Art is my mentor. For he is no longer the same person I used to know.”
Justice Romeo J. Callejo, Sr. during a Testimonial for Hon. Artemio V. Panganiban on April 22, 2006“One book a year and no cases left undecided. This is Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban’s unsurpassed record and the best summation of judicial reform.”
Hon. Chao Hick Tin, President of the Asean Law Association (ALA) during a Testimonial for Hon. Artemio V. Panganiban on April 22, 2006“A brilliant and respected jurist, and a prolific writer, he is an acknowledged contributor to one of the world’s great revolutions – the revolution of knowledge. Anyone who knows Chief Justice Panganiban will testify that he stands for steadfastness, honesty, dedication and progress.”
Atty. Avelino V. Cruz during a Testimonial for Hon. Artemio V. Panganiban on April 22, 2006“ ...to Chief Justice Panganiban, one of the Philippines’ most brilliant and respected jurists, ...”
Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez during a Testimonial Dinner of the Society for Judicial Excellence on January 19, 2006“A summation of all his fine qualities mentioned this evening, shows that his is the finest standard of ethics, professional competence, integrity and independence…”
Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez during the 10th Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Distinguished Lecture last October 19, 2005“... with his brilliance of mind, competence and independence, he has been adding lustre to that court.”