Lucas P. Bersamin is a Filipino jurist who served as the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2009 and was subsequently appointed as Chief Justice by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. Prior to his Supreme Court appointment, Bersamin had a distinguished career in the judiciary, serving in various capacities.
Bersamin is known for several landmark decisions during his tenure in the high court. As the Chief Justice, he championed judicial reforms and emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency in the judiciary.
Before his time in the Supreme Court, Bersamin held positions in the lower courts. He was born and raised in the Philippines and has dedicated much of his life to the service of the Filipino people through the judiciary. After his retirement from the Supreme Court, he continued to engage in legal discussions and advocacies.
Lucas Bersamin: Quick Biography
- Born: October 18, 1949, in Abra, Philippines.
- Occupation: Jurist and lawyer.
- Education:
- He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the East.
- Judicial Career:
- Associate Justice: Lucas Bersamin was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Philippine Court of Appeals in 2003. Later on, in 2009, he was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
- Chief Justice: On November 28, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Bersamin as the 25th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He held this position until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 in October 2019.
- Notable Rulings:
- Throughout his tenure in the judiciary, Bersamin has been involved in various high-profile and controversial cases, penning decisions and contributing through his votes.
- Post-Retirement:
- After his retirement, Bersamin was appointed by President Duterte as Chairperson of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in December 2019.
Lucas Bersamin’s Financial Profile in 2023
In 2023, Lucas Bersamin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, has a reported net worth of P28 million. It’s essential to note that such financial figures should be referenced from credible and official sources for accuracy and authenticity.
Quick Facts About Lucas Bersamin’s Education
- Graduated valedictorian from both elementary and high school
- Earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of the Philippines in 1968
- Graduated cum laude from the University of the East College of Law in 1973
- Placed in the top 10 of the 1973 Philippine Bar Examinations
- Served as law professor at Ateneo Law School, UE College of Law, and UST Faculty of Civil Law
Justice Lucas Bersamin: A Glance into His Life and Career
Educational and Academic Career:
After working in private practice from 1974 to 1986, Bersamin was appointed a trial court judge in Quezon City by President Corazon Aquino. He’s contributed to academia as a professor at the Ateneo Law School, the University of the East College of Law, and the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. He also briefly lectured at the College of Law, University of Cebu in 2006 and is a consistent lecturer for the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Law Career Milestones: ‘
In 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo elevated Bersamin to the Court of Appeals. His ascent continued when, in April 2009, he was promoted to the role of associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines by the same president. Notably, Bersamin was among the associate justices favoring the quo warranto petition against Maria Lourdes Sereno. This decision paved the way for Teresita de Castro to become the chief justice. Eventually, on November 26, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Bersamin as the chief justice, succeeding Teresita Leonardo-De Castro. By February 6, 2020, Duterte appointed Bersamin as the chairperson of the GSIS, where he completed the term of the former president, Jesus Clint Aranas, ending on June 30, 2020.
Family and Personal Life:
Bersamin hails from a family with significant political connections. His brother, Luis “Chito” P. Bersamin, Jr., was a congressman for Abra but met a tragic end, being gunned down at a wedding ceremony. Another brother, Eustaquio P. Bersamin, served as Abra’s governor. On the personal front, Bersamin is married to business proprietress Aurora A. Bagares, and the couple has been blessed with three children: Pia Cristina, Luis Isidro, and Lucas Riel, Jr.
Social Media – Follow Lucas Bersamin Online
Though now retired from the Supreme Court, Lucas Bersamin remains an active thought leader and offers perspective on legal and political matters through social media. Follow Chief Justice Bersamin on these platforms to stay up to date:
FAQs about Lucas Bersamin
Q1: How old is Lucas Bersamin?
A1: Lucas Bersamin was born on October 18, 1949. As of 2023, he would be 73 years old.
Q2: Who is Lucas Bersamin’s spouse?
A2: As of my last update in January 2022, there’s no widely publicized information on Lucas Bersamin’s spouse. For more recent details, please refer to the latest sources or official records.
Q3: Does Lucas Bersamin have any children?
A3: As of my last update, specific details regarding Lucas Bersamin’s children aren’t widely available. Consult recent or specialized sources for more information.
Q4: What chief position did Lucas Bersamin hold?
A4: Lucas Bersamin served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Where did Lucas Bersamin attend elementary and high school?
Bersamin attended Bangued Institute in Bangued, Abra for both his elementary and high school education. He graduated valedictorian of his class during both levels of schooling.
What was Lucas Bersamin’s undergraduate major at UP?
Bersamin completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Political Science at the University of the Philippines. His studies provided important background knowledge for practicing law.
Did Lucas Bersamin earn honors when graduating law school?
Yes, Bersamin graduated cum laude from the University of the East College of Law in 1973 at the top of his class. This demonstrated his excellence as a student.
How prestigious are the University of the Philippines and University of the East?
UP and UE are widely considered to be two of the top universities in the Philippines. Both schools have rigorous admission standards and academic programs. Alumni include many of the country’s leaders.
What profession did Lucas Bersamin pursue after finishing his degrees?
Bersamin worked as a corporate lawyer and law professor after finishing his studies. A few years later, he became a judge and eventually served on the Supreme Court.