Supreme Court Honors Late Retired Justice Bernardo Pardo

The Supreme Court expressed deep sorrow on Thursday, December 11, following the death of retired Associate Justice Bernardo Pardo, highlighting his exemplary integrity, wisdom, and compassion throughout his career.

In a statement, the Court lauded Justice Pardo's unwavering commitment to excellence in his roles as a jurist, lawyer, and law professor. "Justice Pardo will always be remembered for his honesty, integrity, wisdom, zeal and commitment to service and excellence as a jurist, lawyer, and law professor, admired and treasured by his colleagues in the Judiciary and the legal profession," the statement read.

Additionally, the Court praised his personal qualities, noting his warmth and generosity towards those who worked alongside him.

Justice Pardo passed away on December 10 at the age of 93. He was appointed to the Supreme Court on October 7, 1998, by then-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Pardo served as chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) from 1995 to 1998, as a Justice of the Court of Appeals between 1993 and 1995, and as a judge in the Regional Trial Court and Court of First Instance from 1974 to 1983.

His remains are currently lying in state at the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Quezon City. The burial is scheduled for December 14 at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.