Excellence is the hallmark of this man's career.
He was the valedictorian of Class 1975 of the University of the Philippines College of Law. He was the founder of one of the most influential law firms of the country. He was Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to President Fidel V. Ramos and the legal architect of the level-playing-field policy of the Ramos administration. For his "distinguished and exemplary service" to the Republic of the Philippines he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1998.
He is currently a Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and his written opinions are singular examples of legal scholarship and judicial integrity - for one, his ponencia in the People's Initiative case will remain a shining example of adherence to the ideals of the Philippine Constitution.
