Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez Retires
Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez will retire on June 4 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 for judiciary members. The Supreme Court will hold a retirement ceremony on June 3 at its session hall to honor his years of service.
Justice Lopez was appointed to the Supreme Court on December 5, 2019, after serving 13 years as an associate justice of the Court of Appeals. The Judicial and Bar Council has already submitted 12 nominees to President Marcos to fill the vacancy left by Justice Lopez’s retirement. This will be the President’s first appointment to the 15-member Supreme Court, the highest judicial body in the Philippines.
Judicial Nominees for Supreme Court Vacancy
The nominees include Court of Appeals Associate Justices Nina Geluz Antonio-Valenzuela, Ramon M. Bato Jr., Ramon A. Cruz, Maria Elisa Sempio Diy, Myra V. Garcia-Fernandez, Fernanda Lampas Peralta, Ronaldo Roberto B. Martin, and Walter S. Ong. Also nominated are newly appointed Solicitor General Darlene Marie Basco Berberabe, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda, Court of Tax Appeals Associate Maria Rowena M. San Pedro, and Supreme Court Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.
According to the Constitution, the President has 90 days from the vacancy to appoint a replacement. The process is closely watched as it shapes the highest court’s future decisions.
Justice Lopez’s Final Days at the Supreme Court
Justice Lopez attended his last flag ceremony on June 2 at the Supreme Court courtyard. Addressing his colleagues and court personnel, he shared, “Serving in the Supreme Court has been a profound privilege — isang tungkulin na puno ng responsibilidad at hamon.” He added, “Although time now calls me to step aside, I leave with full confidence that my esteemed colleagues will carry on this mission with wisdom, integrity, and dedication.”
He also reminded the court staff to “always remember the human side of justice — because behind every case is a story, a life affected.” His words resonated deeply with those who have witnessed his commitment to fair and compassionate justice.
Career Highlights and Academic Contributions
Justice Lopez graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Laws from San Beda College. He began his judiciary career as a technical assistant in 1981, then worked as a hearing officer at the Central Bank of the Philippines. He later served as a special prosecution officer at the Office of the Ombudsman before becoming a regional trial court judge in 1994.
Recognized for excellence, he received the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Award in 2005 and the Service Award of La Union Province in 2013. Beyond the bench, Justice Lopez is a respected law professor at San Beda College, University of the Philippines, University of Asia and the Pacific, and Arellano University. He was twice named Most Outstanding Professor of the Year.
Justice Lopez’s Influence in Legal Education and Reform
Known as a leading pre-bar reviewer in criminal law, Justice Lopez has lectured extensively, including at the University of California, Berkeley, and international legal forums. He serves as a Professorial Lecturer II at the Philippine Judicial Academy and is a recognized expert in criminal law under the UN Convention Against Corruption.
He is also a member of several legal organizations, including the Society for Judicial Excellence and the ASEAN Law Association. His academic credentials include alumni status at Harvard Law School and fellowship at the Academy of American and International Law.
Justice Lopez contributed to the 2014 Code of Crimes Committee and has served as an examiner for the Philippine Bar Examinations in criminal law and legal ethics. Most recently, he chaired the Supreme Court’s 2024 online Bar examinations committee.
Justice Lopez’s retirement marks the end of an era in Philippine jurisprudence. His legacy of integrity, dedication, and compassion will continue to inspire the judiciary and legal community.
For more news and updates on Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, visit Filipinokami.com.