Jose Melo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jose Melo
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Melo circa 2009
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| Chairman of the Commission on Elections | |
| In office 25 March 2008 – 16 January 2011 |
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| Appointed by | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Romeo A. Brawner |
| Succeeded by | Sixto Brillantes |
| 128th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines | |
| In office 10 August 1992 – 30 May 2002 |
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| Appointed by | Fidel Ramos |
| Preceded by | Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera |
| Succeeded by | Conchita Carpio-Morales |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 30, 1932 Manila, Philippine Islands |
| Died | October 18, 2020 (aged 88) Makati, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Spouse | Norma Cruz Melo |
Jose Armando R. Melo (born May 30, 1932 – died October 18, 2020) was a Filipino lawyer and judge. He served as an Associate Justice of the highest court in the Philippines, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, from 1992 to 2002. Later, he became the Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is in charge of national elections.
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Early Life and Education
Jose Melo was born in Manila, Philippines, but he spent most of his childhood in Angeles City.
He finished elementary school in 1946 and high school in 1950. He then studied at Manuel L. Quezon University. In 1956, he earned his law degree. He passed the bar exams that same year with a high score. He continued his studies and received his Master of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1960.
Professional Career
Melo started his career in law at the Diokno Law Office, which belonged to Senator Jose W. Diokno. He worked there from 1957 to 1962.
After that, he joined the Office of the President from 1962 to 1971. He started as an Executive Assistant and moved up to Junior Presidential Staff Assistant. He also worked as a legal adviser for the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures. In the 1970s, he held positions at the Office of the Solicitor General, the Professional Regulation Commission, and the Civil Service Commission.
Judicial Service
In 1986, President Corazon Aquino appointed Jose Melo to the Court of Appeals. This court reviews decisions from lower courts.
About six years later, in 1992, President Fidel Ramos appointed him to the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He served as an Associate Justice for ten years. He retired from the Supreme Court on May 30, 2002, when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The Melo Commission
In 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo asked Jose Melo to lead a special group. This group, known as the Melo Commission, was created to investigate serious incidents that had happened in the country.
The commission looked into these incidents and prepared a report. The report suggested that some military officials should be held responsible for certain events in their areas.
Leading the Commission on Elections
In January 2008, Jose Melo was appointed Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). This agency is responsible for making sure elections are fair and orderly.
During his time as COMELEC Chairman, he helped the country switch to fully automated elections. This was a big change, especially for the 2010 general election. He also brought in new rules for how detainees could vote and how political campaigns reported their finances. He resigned from his position in January 2011.
Personal Life and Passing
Jose Melo was married to Norma Cruz. They had three children: Olivia Ann, Jaime Alberto, and Jorge Alfonso.
He passed away on October 18, 2020. He was cremated a few days later.
