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Artemio V. Panganiban
Artemio Panganiban.jpg
21st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
In office
December 20, 2005 – December 7, 2007
Appointed by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded by Hilario G. Davide Jr.
Succeeded by Reynato S. Puno
137th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
In office
October 5, 1995 – December 19, 2005
Appointed by Fidel Ramos
Preceded by Camilo D. Quiason
Succeeded by Presbitero J. Velasco Jr.
Personal details
Born
Artemio Villaseñor Panganiban Jr.

(1937-12-07) December 7, 1937 (age 87)
Sampaloc, Manila, Commonwealth of the Philippines
Alma mater Far Eastern University
Website https://cjpanganiban.com/

Artemio Villaseñor Panganiban Jr. (born December 7, 1937) is a famous Filipino lawyer and judge. He served as the 21st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. This is the highest judge position in the country. He held this important role from 2005 to 2007.

Early Life and Schooling

Artemio Panganiban was born in Manila on December 7, 1937. He grew up in a family that didn't have much money. He finished elementary school in 1950 with "Honorable Mention." He also graduated from Victorino Mapa High School in 1954 with "Honorable Mention."

He received a scholarship to the University of the Philippines. However, his family couldn't afford the bus fare to get there. So, he studied at Far Eastern University instead. He earned a degree called Associate in Arts in 1956. He also got his Bachelor of Laws degree from the same university in 1960. He was even named the "Most Outstanding Student" of Far Eastern University in 1959.

In 1960, he took the Philippine Bar Examination to become a lawyer. He placed sixth, which was a great achievement. Later, in 1997, he received an honorary doctorate degree in law. He also received other honorary law degrees from different universities. From 1958 to 1959, he was the founder and president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines.

Professional Career

After becoming a lawyer, Panganiban worked with a well-known lawyer named Jovito Salonga. He learned a lot from Salonga from 1961 to 1963. Panganiban looked up to Salonga and other important legal figures like Jose W. Diokno.

In 1963, young Panganiban started his own law firm. It was called PABLAW. He led this firm until he joined the Supreme Court in 1995. He also held important roles in business groups. He was the Vice President for Legal Affairs of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Panganiban also taught law and political science. He taught at Far Eastern University and other colleges from 1961 to 1970. He was a director at a bank and a consultant for the World Tourism Organization. He even served as an honorary consul for Honduras.

He was the chief legal counsel for the Liberal Party from 1987 to 1991. He also served as the president of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a major newspaper. Panganiban has written columns for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and worked as a consultant for many businesses.

Joining the Supreme Court

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Official portraits of CJ Artemio Panganiban and Reynato S. Puno in the new SC building.

Artemio Panganiban became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1995. He was known for writing many decisions. One Justice described him as "undoubtedly the most prolific writer of the Court." He wrote over 1,000 full decisions and many books.

Role in 2001 Events

Justice Panganiban played a part in the events of 2001. During a time of political unrest, he believed it was important to keep peace and order. He felt that having then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sworn in as acting president would prevent violence. He called Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. to suggest this. Arroyo became president that day.

Later, when questions arose about this event, the Supreme Court upheld Arroyo's position.

Becoming Chief Justice

Panganiban was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on December 20, 2005. He was chosen by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He took over after Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. retired. Panganiban served as Chief Justice for two years. He was succeeded by Reynato Puno in December 2007.

As Chief Justice, he continued to work for justice. He also shared his personal views on legal matters.

Books Written

Justice Panganiban has written many books. He usually writes one book each year. These books share his thoughts and experiences from his time as a judge. Some of his books include:

  • 1994 – Love God, Serve Man
  • 1997 – Justice and Faith
  • 1998 – Battles in the Supreme Court
  • 1999 – Leadership by Example
  • 2000 – Transparency, Unanimity & Diversity
  • 2001 – A Centenary of Justice
  • 2002 – Reforming the Judiciary
  • 2003 – The Bio Age Dawns on the Judiciary
  • 2004 – Leveling the Playing Field
  • 2005 – Judicial Renaissance
  • 2006 – Liberty and Prosperity (two volumes)

"With Due Respect" Column

After his time as Chief Justice, Panganiban started writing a column. It is called "With Due Respect" and appears in the Opinion section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He began writing it on February 12, 2007.

Personal Life

Artemio Panganiban was married to Elenita Alcazar Carpio. She was a professor at the Asian Institute of Management. They got married on April 8, 1961. They had five children together and ten grandchildren. Elenita passed away on April 10, 2023.

Panganiban also serves as an independent director for several large companies. These include GMA Network, Manila Electric Company, and Jollibee Foods Corporation.

Awards

  • On April 9, 2024, he received the “Haligi ng Bantayog” title. This award recognizes his contributions to the country.
  • In July 2024, Panganiban received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award. This award is given by the Pope for special service to the Church. He received it for his work with the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation.

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See Also

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