Books

Compiled by Attys. Emma C. Matammu, Jenifer J. Manalili, Milicent N. Reyes, Sheryl Fortune Supapo-Sandigan, Joel Emerson J. Gregorio, Ma. Lourdes C. San Pablo, Cristina M. Bonoan, Anna Nerissa Paz-Perez and Anna Liza L. Su.

“The title literally means “first among equals.” The phrase has customarily been used to refer to the Chief Justice himself who, though he has only one vote as the other Justices in the Supreme Court, is considered the first among equals because of the unique position he holds in the judicial branch of government. He presides over the sessions of the Court, shapes its agenda, summarizes the discussions, and influences the direction and pace of its work. He is also the chief executive officer of the entire judiciary.

“Primus inter pares, however, also fittingly describes the selection of the decisions and opinions contained in this book. Chosen because of their jurisprudential value, they often blazed the trail with novel doctrines, answered difficult questions of law, and eloquently conveyed the convictions of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban. Significantly, most of them have had profound impact on both the legal and socio-political history of this nation.

“It can be said that out of around 1200 full length signed decisions, 100 separate opinions and countless minute and extended (unsigned) resolutions penned by CJ Panganiban, the works contained in these two volumes stand out among the best in his 11-year term in the Supreme Court. These were selected by the legal staff of the Chief Justice, namely, Attys. Emma C. Matammu, Jenifer J. Manalili, Milicent N. Reyes, Sheryl Fortune Supapo-Sandigan, Joel Emerson J. Gregorio, Ma. Lourdes C. San Pablo, Cristina M. Bonoan, Anna Nerissa Paz-Perez and Anna Liza L. Su.”

Archived in the Supreme Court Library
December 2006