The Philippine Supreme Court’s second female magistrate, Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera.
The Philippine Supreme Court’s (SC) second female magistrate, Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera, has died at 98 years old.
Herrera topped the 1947 Philippine Bar Examinations with a 93.85-percent rating.
She was appointed to the SC during the presidency of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1979.
When Marcos was overthrown and Cory Aquino was elected president, Herrera was among the five SC members who retained their positions.
She retired in 1992.
She then served as chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJa) from 1996 to May 2009.
Flags in the SC were lowered at half-mast on Monday.
RIP Justice Ameurfina Melencio Herrera (retired), Chairperson Emeritus, Philippine Judicial Academy
The flags in the Supreme Court have now been lowered at half mast.#SupremeCourtPhilippines
— Help others. Humanity will endure. (@marvicleonen) October 12, 2020
PhilJa Chancellor Adolfo Azcuna said Herrera would “always be remembered for her illustrious career as a jurist marked by integrity and brilliance.”
— PHILJA (@SCPh_PHILJA) October 12, 2020
Malacañang also mourned Herrera’s passing.
“Justice Herrera was the embodiment of judicial excellence,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.
“As tributes pour to honor the life and legacy of Justice Herrera, we pray that the Almighty grant her eternal repose. Farewell and rest in peace, Madame Justice,” he said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro