The 21st Chief Justice of the Philippines

Chapter 1

The 21^st Chief Justice of the Philippines*

It is with deep humility and a great sense of responsibility that I accept my appointment as the 21^st Chief Justice of our country in this, the 21^st century. I thank President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for appointing me to the highest nonpolitical office in the land.

As my measure of thanking her, I vow to uphold at all times the constitutional ideals of competence, integrity, probity, and independence, which I am certain she took into account in choosing me.

The significance of my appointment is not lost on me. It comes in the season celebrating the birth of the One who came down on earth to serve and not to be served; and who Himself is the embodiment of truth, justice, and peace. Thus, I see my appointment as Chief Justice as an opportunity to be of even greater service to God and country.

In this new capacity, I can have no better model than my illustrious predecessor, Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide Jr. Aimed at “a judiciary that is independent, effective and efficient, and worthy of public trust and confidence,” his mission-vision statement in The Davide Watch ushered in a judicial renaissance that has propelled our country towards international renown in the area of judicial reform. Of us in the judiciary whom he has left behind, he said: “I know they can do better, and they must and will do better.” I will do my best to fulfill that wish.

As I ponder on the heavy burden and formidable challenge of the chief justiceship, I recall the words of Pope Benedict XVI. Upon his election as the new Pope, he expressed his surprise and wonder at how he, a self-described “simple, humble worker in God's vineyard,” had been chosen to succeed the great and beloved Pope John Paul II. Like Pope Benedict XVI, I take consolation in the fact the Lord knows how to work through imperfect instruments to bring about great things.

With the support of my colleagues in the Supreme Court and the approximately 2,000 judges and 26,000 court personnel all over the country, I will continue to work to safeguard the liberty of our people and to nurture their prosperity, while upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. All these I strive to do in an atmosphere of transparency and accountability.

Good day.

* After taking my oath on December 21, 2006, as the 21^st Chief Justice of the Philippines, I immediately read this statement before the media at Malacañang Palace.