Diosdado Peralta has had an outstanding career in law, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2021. Before rising to the pinnacle of the Philippine judicial system, Peralta pursued his college education at two prestigious institutions in the country. His academic grounding at these schools provided the foundation for his later accomplishments in law.
Quick Facts About Diosdado Peralta
- Born on January 13, 1955 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Earned Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1974
- Obtained Bachelor of Laws degree from University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law in 1979
- Admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1980
- Served as prosecutor and regional trial court judge before appointment to higher judiciary
- Became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2021
Who is Diosdado Peralta?
Diosdado Peralta is a Filipino lawyer who was appointed the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2021. He previously served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2021.
Born in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in 1955, Peralta obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1974. He then pursued his law degree at the prestigious University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, graduating in 1979.
Prior to his judicial appointments, Peralta served as a prosecutor and regional trial court judge. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Where Did Diosdado Peralta Go To College?
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
For his undergraduate education, Diosdado Peralta attended the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Letran in 1974.
Founded in 1620, Letran is one of the oldest colleges in the Philippines. It is a prominent Dominican institution known for its academic rigor and historic traditions. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, education, engineering, arts and sciences, and law.
Letran’s economics program gave Peralta foundational knowledge in microeconomics, macroeconomics, analytical methods, and other areas that prepare students for careers in law, business, and public service. The critical thinking skills he honed at Letran served him well in his later legal education.
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
After completing his bachelor’s degree at Letran, Peralta pursued his Juris Doctor at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law in Manila. He graduated with his Bachelor of Laws in 1979.
Founded in 1734, it is the oldest law school in the Philippines. The UST Law School is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in the country for the study of law. Its rigorous program equipped Peralta with the legal knowledge and analytic skills essential for his career.
At UST Law, Peralta would have taken required courses on legal methods, political law, civil law, criminal law, commercial law, and jurisprudence. He also would have participated in practice court sessions to hone his legal advocacy abilities. The school’s strong tradition of academic excellence and legal ethics provided ideal preparation for Peralta’s future as a prosecutor, judge, and Chief Justice.
Peralta’s Judicial Career
After passing the bar exam, Peralta embarked on a distinguished judicial career, serving as a trial court judge, appellate justice, and ultimately, Chief Justice of the Philippines.
His education at Letran and UST Law provided the academic grounding for his success in the judiciary. The schools prepared him to deftly analyze complex legal issues and contribute thoughtfully to judgments at the highest levels of the court system.
Peralta’s Other Accomplishments and Awards
In addition to his judicial appointments, Peralta has served as a lecturer at the UST Faculty of Civil Law. He has received numerous honors, including the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Awards for Law in 2008.
Peralta is a member of major legal organizations like the Philippine Bar Association and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Throughout his career, he has exemplified the finest traditions of the Philippine legal profession.
Follow Chief Justice Peralta on Social Media
- Twitter: @CJPeralta
- Facebook: Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta
- LinkedIn: Diosdado Peralta
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Diosdado Peralta attend high school?
Peralta attended Laoag City High School in Ilocos Norte for his secondary education.
What was Peralta’s class rank at UST Law?
Specific class rank details are unavailable, but Peralta graduated with honors from the UST Faculty of Civil Law.
Did Peralta earn any graduate degrees?
Peralta focused his education on earning his bachelor’s and law degrees. He did not pursue any postgraduate studies.
How long was Peralta the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
Peralta served as the Chief Justice of the Philippines from April 2021 to January 2022.
What awards did Peralta receive for his judicial service?
Some of Peralta’s honors include the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Awards for Law and the Justice Vicente Abad Santos Award for Judicial Excellence.
Diosdado Peralta had a distinguished career as a lawyer and judge in the Philippines. His educational background at Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law prepared him to take on the most complex legal issues as Chief Justice. Peralta’s commitment to judicial excellence and ethics is a testament to the quality of his legal education.