Who is Lucas Bersamin? Lucas Bersamin is a prominent figure in the Philippines, known for his extensive career in law and public service. He served as the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from November 2018 to October 2019. Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Bersamin had a long tenure as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, starting in 2009. His legal career spans decades, marked by significant rulings and contributions to Philippine jurisprudence. Beyond the courtroom, Bersamin has also been involved in various educational and civic activities, sharing his expertise and experience with future generations. His journey from a humble beginning to one of the highest judicial positions in the country is both inspiring and noteworthy. Let's delve into 25 fascinating facts about Lucas Bersamin that highlight his achievements, challenges, and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Lucas Bersamin's journey began long before he became a prominent figure in the Philippines. Here are some fascinating details about his early life and education.
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Born on October 18, 1949, in Bangued, Abra, Lucas Purugganan Bersamin grew up in a family that valued education and public service.
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He attended the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
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Bersamin pursued his law degree at the University of the East College of Law, graduating in 1973.
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He passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 1973, ranking 9th among the successful examinees.
Legal Career
Bersamin's legal career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to the judiciary. Let's explore some key milestones.
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He began his career as a private practitioner before joining the judiciary.
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In 1986, he was appointed as a Regional Trial Court judge in Quezon City by President Corazon Aquino.
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Bersamin was promoted to the Court of Appeals in 2003, where he served with distinction.
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He authored numerous landmark decisions during his tenure at the Court of Appeals.
Supreme Court Appointment
Bersamin's appointment to the Supreme Court was a pivotal moment in his career. Here are some notable facts about his time on the highest court.
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He was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines on April 2, 2009, by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
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Bersamin became the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on November 28, 2018.
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His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by efforts to improve the efficiency and transparency of the judiciary.
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He retired from the Supreme Court on October 18, 2019, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Notable Cases and Decisions
Throughout his career, Bersamin handled several high-profile cases. Here are some of the most notable ones.
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He penned the decision that acquitted former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of plunder charges in 2016.
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Bersamin was part of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019.
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He played a key role in the decision to allow the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Awards and Recognitions
Bersamin's contributions to the legal field have been recognized through various awards and honors.
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He received the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Award for Judicial Excellence in 2000.
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The University of the East College of Law honored him with the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2009.
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Bersamin was conferred the Gawad Mabini Award with the rank of Dakilang Kasugo in 2019.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Bersamin's personal life is equally interesting. Here are some insights.
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He is married to Aurora Bersamin, and they have three children.
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Bersamin is known for his love of gardening and often spends his free time tending to his plants.
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He is an avid reader and enjoys books on history and law.
Post-Retirement Activities
Even after retiring from the Supreme Court, Bersamin continues to be active in various capacities.
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He serves as a lecturer and resource person for various legal education programs.
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Bersamin is involved in several civic and charitable organizations.
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He occasionally writes articles and opinion pieces on legal and political issues.
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Bersamin remains a respected figure in the legal community, often sought for his insights and expertise.
Lucas Bersamin: A Remarkable Journey
Lucas Bersamin's life is a testament to dedication, hard work, and excellence. From his early days as a law student to becoming the Chief Justice of the Philippines, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His contributions to the legal field, coupled with his unwavering commitment to justice, have left an indelible mark on the judiciary. Bersamin's legacy is not just in the decisions he made but in the integrity and fairness he brought to the bench. His story reminds us that with perseverance and a strong moral compass, one can achieve great heights. As we reflect on his achievements, it's clear that Lucas Bersamin's impact will be felt for generations to come. His life serves as a beacon for aspiring lawyers and judges, showing that true success lies in serving others with honor and dedication.
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