Hilario Davide, Jr.
Supreme Court Chief Justice

It is quite remarkable, extraordinary even, that for someone who worked his way through college, he would reach the highest position of the country’s judicial system. Undoubtedly, he is a man whom the Cebuanos should be proud of.

Hilario Davide, Jr. worked for five years as a dormitory assistant at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Without money to buy books, he made use of the library from as early as 7am to as late as 11pm. Even with this schedule, he was still able to get good grades, sometimes even better than those of his classmates. And certainly enough, his efforts and sacrifices paid well with what he has achieved through the years.

He has taken various positions in the government and in the Supreme Court. As a member of the Constitutional Commission (ConCom) in 1996, he holds the record of having presented the most number of resolutions and has a played a significant role in restoring the democratic system of the government, which is the central objective of the Constitution. As a Comelec Chairman in 1988, the elections held during his term were among the cleanest in the country. Hilario Davide, Jr. previously held other important positions such as the chairmanship for fact-finding commissions in 1989-1991,for the Bar Examinations Committee in 1991, for the Supreme Court Computerization Committee from 1995-1998, and for the House of Representatives from 1997-1998. He was also chairman for the Third (1996-1997) and First Division (1997 up to present). Presently, he is the Chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, appointed and took oath of office before President Joseph Estrada on November 30, 1998.

With these achievements, Hilario Davide, Jr. was among the eight Most Outstanding Cebuanos awarded during the 430^th anniversary celebration of the Cebu province. In the said affair, he was asked to speak in behalf of the other awardees, and pointed out that the award they received is not for their own pleasure but has given them a chance to give pleasure to the “other men and women of Cebu who gave their utmost for the greater glory of Cebu, country and God.”

He also paid tribute to other great Cebuanos - “the fishermen who protect our marine resources, the policemen who stay up late at night, and the spiritual leaders and teachers who sacrifice for our children’s future despite inadequate compensation” - saying that “they are outstanding in themselves.” Still, he added that despite the achievements that he and the other awardees had attained, they paled in comparison to Cebuano greats such as Sergio Osmeña, first Cebuano Supreme Court Justice Manuel Briones, Senator Paulino Gullas, Senator Felimon Sotto, Vicente Rama, Jose Mariano Cuenco, Dionesio Jakosalem, and national scientist Casimero del Rosario.