Palace grieves passing of ex-SC Justice Melancio-Herrera

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. (File photo by PNA)

MANILA – Malacañang has mourned the passing of former Supreme Court Justice Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ameurfina Melencio-Herrera,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Monday.

Roque hailed Herrera’s career, describing her as “the embodiment of judicial excellence”.

“She topped the Philippine Bar Examinations, appointed the second woman Supreme Court Justice, and became the Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJa) – the training school for justices, judges, court personnel, among others,” he said.

He also recalled how Herrera paved the way for his joining the PhilJa upon her invitation.

“I am fortunate to have given the opportunity to be part of PhilJa upon the invitation of Justice and Chancellor Herrera,” he added.

Roque, meanwhile, offered prayers to Herrera’s family and friends.

“As tributes pour to honor the life and legacy of Justice Herrera, we pray that the Almighty grant her eternal repose. Farewell and rest in peace, Madame Justice,” he said.

PhilJa Chancellor Adolf Azcuna expressed sadness over Herrera’s demise, but was consoled “by the fact that she lived a long and fruitful life”.

“She will always be remembered for her illustrious career as a jurist marked by integrity and brilliance as shown by her being a bar topnotcher and her scintillating ponencias, as well as her dignity and serenity as a person. We will pray for abundant light, love, grace and peace for her soul,” he said in a tweet.

Herrera served as an Associate Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court from 1979 until her retirement in 1992.

She was the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of the first female Supreme Court Justice, Cecilia Muñoz-Palma.