Registering history in print drove Former Senator
Jovito Salonga and Evelyn Feliciano, the writers of the first
judiciary decision’s book “A Test of Courage” Supreme Court
of 2006 to publish the judicial decisions within the term of
former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.
The book seeks to express an appreciation of what
the judiciary has done through the years. The compilation was
launched at Far Eastern University Auditorium last January 22 in
line with the 80th Founding
Anniversary.
Justice Antonio Carpio, guest speaker, explained
that the title exemplifies the ultimate test for any Supreme
Court. He said that courage in the title means independence.
“A judge must be of proven independence not just of
brilliance,” said Carpio. The test of courage referred to a
judge’s independence to make decisions that is of public value.
Aside from recording judiciary verdicts, the book
also begins the process of looking at the judicial decisions as
important “bulwark of democracy” according to Carpio.
Mentoring the mentor
In his speech, Panganiban thanked and praised FEU
administrators in maintaining the aesthetical and academic
formation in the University. The former Chief Justice graduated
in FEU College of Law in 1961.
During his college years, former Senate President
Jovito Salonga trained him to be a good lawyer as he was his
mentor. “Former Senate President Jovito Salonga not only taught
me how to be a lawyer but also how to live with a good life,”
said Panganiban in his speech.
According to him, what he has now was a fruit of
what he learned from Salonga. When he became one of the first
highest magistrates of the land, Salonga was the first one to
congratulate him. With that, Panganiban felt that he was lucky
to have a mentor who is a senator.
“It was a pity of you that you don’t have Jovito
Salonga as your mentor,” said Panganiban in a humorous tone.
Panganiban cited justices and special guests present in the book
launch: Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Justice Presbitero
Velasco, Justice Leonardo Quisimbing, Justice Raoul Victorino,
Justice Juanita Castañeda, Justice Delilah Magtolis, Korean
Ambassador Hong Jong-Ki and Argentinian Ambassador Mario Shuff
among others.
Jane Camille Almasin
