Dec 1
MCLE Implementing Regulations take effect in 2001
Dec 7
The impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada is heard by the Senate
Tribunal with Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. as Presiding Officer in 2001
Dec 10
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is formally convened in 1987
Dec 23
President Emilio F. Aguinaldo signs the Malolos Constitution in 1898
Dec 24
Jose Abad Santos is appointed Chief Justice in 1941
As 22nd Chief Justice: Chief Justice Puno
to uphold rule of law,
judicial independence
By
Jay B. Rempillo
NEWLY-APPOINTED CHIEF Justice
Reynato S. Puno has vowed to uphold judicial
independence, constitutionalism, and the rule
of law in fulfilling his duties as the 22nd Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of the
Philippines. The most senior of the 14
Associate Justices, Chief Justice Puno was
sworn into office by President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court on December 7.
Chief Justice Puno reiterated his position
that his being an Arroyo appointee will not in
any way influence his decision-making. He
said that his voting record would be the best
testimonial of his independence. He asserted
that he “will always stand for constitutionalism
and the rule of law. [Our] actions will be
dictated by only one consideration – the
mandate of the Constitution and that tells all.” more
Hon. Reynato S. Puno, the 22nd Chief Justice. Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno is sworn in by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the 22nd Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines in simple ceremonies in Malacañang shortly after midnight on December 7, 2006. Witnessing the oath-taking are (from left) Justice Dante O. Tinga, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, and Chief Justice Puno’s daughter Ruth, daughter-in-law Rachelle and husband Emmanuel, son Reynato, Jr., and grandchildren Alessandra Isabelle and Laticia Raquelle.
By
Jay B. Rempillo 
Hon. Reynato S. Puno, the 22nd Chief Justice. Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno is sworn in by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the 22nd Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines in simple ceremonies in Malacañang shortly after midnight on December 7, 2006. Witnessing the oath-taking are (from left) Justice Dante O. Tinga, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, and Chief Justice Puno’s daughter Ruth, daughter-in-law Rachelle and husband Emmanuel, son Reynato, Jr., and grandchildren Alessandra Isabelle and Laticia Raquelle.