Another Cebuano to be proud of, to look up to, and to emulate is Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. He is the 20th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines appointed by former President Joseph Estrada. He was also awarded as one of the eight Most Outstanding Cebuanos during the celebration of the Cebu Province 430th Anniversary.

With his outstanding scholastic records, published academic books and periodicals, received awards and recognition, and civil organizations involvement, Justice Davide is proven to be one exceptional leader and dedicated public servant.

Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. was born in the distant barangay of Colawin, Argao, Cebu on December 20, 1935. He grew up in a strict family under his disciplinarian parents. He finished his grade school or elementary years in Argao Elementary School and went to Abellana Vocational High School for his secondary education. As a child, Justice Davide who is fondly called “Dodong Jun” by his family, loved to ride on carabao sledge when he used to gather sugar cane with his brother.

Since Hilario G. Davide, Jr. did not come from a wealthy family, he worked hard for his higher education. While studying at University of the Philippines Diliman, he also worked as dormitory assistant. He spent long hours in the university library because he did not have his own books. He managed to juggle working and studying with flying colors as he always maintained good grades in school.

Davide became private secretary of the Vice-Governor who became Governor of Cebu. He worked as a professor in the Southwestern University College of Law. In 1971, Hilario Davide, Jr was elected to be a delegate of the 4th District of Cebu during the Constitutional Convention. This was his first chance to participate in the national scene.

Professional Career:

1.Private Secretary to the Vice Governor and then to the Governor of Cebu, 1959 – 1963
2.Faculty Member, College of Law, Southwestern University, Cebu City, 1962 – 1968
3.Delegate, Constitutional Convention, representing the 4th District of Cebu, 1971
4.Assemblyman, Interim Batasang Pambansa representing Region VII, June 12, 1978 – June 30, 1984
5.Commissioner, Constitutional Commission of 1986 which drafted the 1987 Constitution, June 2, 1986 – Oct. 15, 1986
6.Chairman, Commission on Elections, Feb. 16, 1988 – Jan. 11, 1990
7.Chairman, The Presidential Fact Finding Commission, Dec. 7, 1989 – Jan. 11, 1990
8.Chairman, The Presidential Fact Finding Commission, Jan. 12, 1990 – Jan. 15, 1991
9.Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Nov. 30, 1998 – Dec. 20, 2005
10.Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines, Jan. 24, 1991 – Nov. 29, 1998
11.Chairman, Judicial and Bar Council
12.Presiding Officer, Presidential Impeachment Court
13.Chairman, Presidential Electoral Tribunal
14.Chairman, Board of Trustees, Philippine Judicial Academy
15.Chairman, Executive Committee, Judicial Reform Program

Source of the career list: Elibrary at the Philippine Judiciary

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