Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera
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| 98th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines | |
| In office 17 January 1979 – 11 May 1992 |
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| Appointed by | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Cecilia Muñoz-Palma |
| Succeeded by | Jose Melo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ameurfina Aguinaldo Melencio
11 May 1922 Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippine Islands |
| Died | 12 October 2020 (aged 98) Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines |
Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera (born Ameurfina Aguinaldo Melencio; 11 May 1922 – 12 October 2020) was an important Filipino lawyer and judge. She served as an Associate Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court from 1979 to 1992. She was the second woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court. She took the place of the first female Justice, Cecilia Muñoz-Palma.
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About Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera
Her Early Life
Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera was born in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. Her parents were Jose P. and Carmen Melencio. She was the granddaughter of Emilio Aguinaldo. He was the first President of the Philippines.
A Supreme Court Justice named George A. Malcolm was one of her godfathers. He also founded the law school she later attended. This was the University of the Philippines College of Law. Melencio-Herrera lived a long life. She passed away on 12 October 2020, at the age of 98.
Starting Her Career in Law
Herrera studied law at the University of the Philippines. She graduated with honors in 1947. After finishing her studies, she took the Philippine Bar Examinations. This is a special test lawyers must pass to practice law. She got the highest score in 1947, with 93.85%. This was the highest score ever for any woman taking the Bar Exams in Philippine history.
After working briefly in a law firm in New York City, Herrera worked as a private lawyer for several years. In 1962, she became a judge. She served as a trial court judge in Quezon Province and later in the City of Manila. In 1973, she was appointed to the Philippine Court of Appeals.
Serving on the Supreme Court
Becoming a Justice
In 1979, President Ferdinand Marcos appointed Herrera to the Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the Philippines.
After the People Power Revolution in 1986, Corazon Aquino became president. All the Supreme Court members appointed by Marcos were asked to resign. Justice Herrera, along with a few other justices, kept their positions. President Aquino then re-appointed them to their seats.
Changes in Seniority
When President Aquino re-appointed the justices, some new members were added. This changed the "seniority" of the justices. Seniority means how long someone has served on the court. Even though Justice Herrera had served longer, some new appointees became more senior than her.
In 1992, Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan resigned. Many thought Herrera would become the next Chief Justice. However, because of the changes in seniority from 1986, Andres Narvasa was chosen instead. He became the Chief Justice.
Retirement and Later Work
Justice Herrera retired in May 1992. In 1996, she was named the Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy. This academy trains judges and other members of the Philippine judiciary. She served as Chancellor until May 2009.
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Justice Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera
