Salute to excellent judges and outstanding public servants

Two recent awards gave us a whiff of fresh air from the series of corruption and bribery charges among government officials. This year’s Judicial Excellence Awardees were honored in ceremonies held at the Supreme Court session hall last September 17. Four trial court judges were the recipients of the prestigious awards, which were named after past justices who rendered outstanding service and judicial excellence. Judge Erlinda Nicolas-Alvaro of Branch 198 of the Las Pinas City Regional Trial Court was given the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Award. She was also awarded for the Best Decision in Civil Cases. Judge Lorifel Lacap Pahimna of Branch 69 of the Pasig City RTC received the Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award. Judge Henry D. Aries of Branch 61 of the Kabankalan City RTC was the recipient of the Chief Justice Ramon Avancena Award. Judge Leonor Gerona-Romeo of Branch 54 of the Sorsogon RTC received the Special Award for Best Decision in Criminal Cases.

We commend Chief Justice Reynato Puno for the timely message he delivered during the Awarding Ceremonies. “More than the breadth of legal knowledge is the depth of a judge’s morality,” Puno said as he cited the need for judges whom the people can trust and who can assure the public that the rule of law is being enforced fairly and without fear or favor. I can say that corruption is getting worst from the reports I read here and abroad. There seems to be a growing tolerance about people in authority compromising their sworn duty to render an honest and committed service to the people. Wrong has somewhat become acceptable in many instances, accepted and justified as long as something is accomplished or attained. Hence, the people notice the blatancy and at least, some blow the whistle while many advocate for change. People now know that for every corrupt practice, the system bogs down and they are the ones who suffer. Today there are signs of growing intolerance toward corruption and more and more politicians and chief executives are being tried and convicted.

On a more positive stance, we must highlight every good deed and accomplishment because these are the reasons that will bolster our belief that all is not lost and there is always hope. On the same day last week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) hailed this year’s Outstanding Public Servants. The prestigious Lingkod Bayan, Pagasa and Dangal ng Bayan Awards were conferred on the country’s exemplary public servants in an awarding ceremony held at Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace.

The Lingkod Bayan awardees are Dr. Caesar A. Saloma (University of the Philippines-Diliman), Mayor Ricardo V. Revita (Rosales, Pangasinan), Mayor Roberto C. Agcaoili (San Mateo, Isabela), Warren L. Ambat (Baguio City National High School) and Dr. Celia Flor C. Brilliantes (Health Services Office, City Government of Baguio). They were awarded for their exceptional and outstanding contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had a nationwide impact on public interest. 

On the other hand, this year’s Dangal ng Bayan Awards were conferred on Nelly B. Banaag (Posthumous, Pinagbayanan National High School, Batangas), Virgilio F. Basa (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Taguig City), Iniego S. Collantes Jr. (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Surigao del Sur), Adela B. Cortez (Commission on Audit, Nueva Vizcaya), Naida G. Lasangre (Lupon School of Fisheries, Davao Oriental), Everlyn R. Reonal (Department of Public Works and Highways, Legazpi City) and Wenifreda V. Soto (Municipal Government of Nabua, Camarines Sur). They were recognized for rendering extraordinary acts of public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote of Sir Galahad, one of his characters, who said “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure”. These judges and government employees excelled in performance and rendered outstanding contributions in their respective fields because they possessed integrity and commitment in their work. May they serve as beacons of light so that others may tread the right path.