Preface
This second volume of Liberty and Prosperity comes right at the heels of the first volume, which was formally launched on October 18, 2006, during the opening of the three-day Global Forum on Liberty and Prosperity held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. In the Preface of that first volume, I wrote that it was “the last book I would author as a sitting justice of the highest court of the land.” Little did I know that events in the next few months after its publication would compel me to write a companion book to complete my annual report on my activities as a magistrate.
Since the first volume was current only as of July 31, 2006, I was unable to include the important Decisions of the Supreme Court from August 1 to December 6, 2006, especially its monumental Decision on the Petition involving a people’s initiative.[1] This latest volume therefore completes the compendium of significant Decisions promulgated by the Panganiban Court during my last four months and six days in office as Chief Justice of the High Court.
Part I. Like my previous books, this companion volume of Liberty and Prosperity is divided into two main parts. Part I is a continuation of the first volume’s “A Judicial Philosophy and Program.” The major speeches I delivered from August to December of this year further elucidate the vision and mission statements I made early on when I assumed the chief justiceship; especially my twin beacons of Liberty and Prosperity, which have been translated – successfully, I hope -- into our national language.
Also included in Part I is my valedictory speech entitled Maraming Salamat Po. It celebrates my thanksgiving to the people, institutions and ideas that have fueled my mind, driven my energies, and nourished my soul during the past 70 years of my life, including my most memorable 11 years spent in the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Part II. As in the earlier volume, the cases summarized in Part II are Decisions written by members of the Court, including one[2] that I managed to write in-between my functions as Chief Justice, chairperson of the Judicial and Bar Council, ex-officio chair of the Philippine Judicial Academy, and administrative and financial chief executive of the entire judiciary.
My deepest gratitude goes to my revered colleagues in the Court who, during my magistracy, have been my constant guiding lights -- and occasional critics -- in our collective quest for accessible, honest, competent and expeditious justice for all. As I bid them farewell, I carry with me the fire and passion of the Panganiban Court.
December 5, 2006.
ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN