CEU Confers Honorary Degree for Doctor of Laws on SC Chief Justice Gesmundo
Photo shows (from L-R) Ret. Senior Justice Josue N. Bellosillo, Dean, CEU School of Law and Jurisprudence, Mr. Basilio C. Yap, Chairman, CEU Board of Directors, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, and Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, CEU President and Chief Academic Officer
Centro Escolar University conferred the Honorary Degree for Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) on Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo of the Supreme Court of the Philippines during the CEU School of Law and Jurisprudence Virtual Commencement Exercises on July 24, 2021.
In recognition of Chief Justice Gesmundo’s remarkable contribution and service in the field of law and justice administration, governance and leadership while embodying CEU’s philosophy of Science and Virtue (Ciencia Y Virtud), he is now the 38th recipient of the honorary degree by the University as declared by CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina.
“Honoris causa literally translated means ‘for the sake of honor’. In conferring an honorary degree, a University honors the recipient. By the same act, the University is honored. The honorary degree is the highest distinction that the University bestows. The Centro Escolar University regardfully grants this honor”, said Dr. Padolina.
His name Alexander which means “defender of the people” in Greek truly manifests in his works and achievements as a man who has dedicated his life in service of the people to search for truth and justice.
As how Ret. Senior Justice Josue Bellosillo, Dean of the CEU School of Law and Jurisprudence described him in his introduction speech, Chief Justice Gesmundo is “robust, sleek, dignified yet down to earth, resolute, kind-hearted, uncompromising but gracious”. He has been a witness of how the Chief Justice “remained self-effacing, humble, firm, faithful and a true guardian of the law” despite all the praise that he receives.
With so much gratitude, Chief Justice Gesmundo expressed his sincerest appreciation to the University for granting him this kind of distinction. The man of the hour also delivered a very meaningful message as the commencement speaker to the CEU School of Law and Jurisprudence graduating class of 2021.
“Remember, the law is not a tool for vengeance and oppression, neither for tyranny or repression. It is a tool for justice. It’s an instrument for peace, order, unity and equality. Law is the last breath of hope for the poor, that last place of respite for the oppressed, and that source of courage for the injured”, said Chief Justice Gesmundo who has also been a faculty member of the School of Law and Jurisprudence.
The momentous occasion was attended by the Members of the CEU Board, Administrative Council, CHED Commissioner Dr. Aldrin Darilag, Justice Zenaida Elepano, Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Education Board, CEU School of Law and Jurisprudence Administrators, Members of the CEU Law Faculty, the family of the Honoree, and honored guests from the Supreme Court of the Philippines Legal Education Board and Commission on Higher Education.
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