The Ateneo de Manila School of Law honored five Supreme Court justices who are distinguished alumni, led by incumbent Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.
The event, held at the Teehankee Hall of the Ateneo Professional Schools building, celebrated the unveiling of portraits of Gesmundo and four associate justices.
Gesmundo is a member of the Class of 1984. Joining him were Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda (Class of 1987), Ricardo Rosario (Class of 1983), Jose Midas Marquez (Class of 1993), and Maria Filomena Singh (Class of 1991).
Angono, Rizal artist Geraldine Hernandez Martens painted the portraits that now adorn the Justitia Hall gallery, a tribute to the ongoing efforts of the Ateneo Law School Class of 1968 to inspire future graduates.
Gesmundo viewed the gesture of Ateneo Law as “not just as an honor, but as a challenge” that he and his fellow honorees accepted.
“This growing collection of portraits of the Ateneo’s contributions to the highest court of our land is a testament not just to the value of an Atenean education in the law,” the Chief Justice said.
“It is a testament to the kind of values that this type of rigorous, well-rounded, and socially conscious training imparts upon those who undertake it,” he added.
The event also included a special tribute to portraits unveiled in 2019, including those of then Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa (Class of 1985) and Andres Reyes, Jr. (Class of 1978).
Lawyer Victor Alimurung, representing the Class of 1968, highlighted the significance of these portraits.
He said these “serve not only to honor and recognize the law school’s alumni Supreme Court Justices,” but also to inspire and motivate future generations of Ateneans.
The ceremony underscored Ateneo Law’s enduring legacy and its contribution to the Philippine judiciary, with a commitment to excellence and service that continues to shape the nation’s legal landscape.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Ateneo de Manila School of Law unveils portraits of five Supreme Court justices