Retiring CJ Bersamin: No regrets

MANILA, Philippines — Looking back at the decade he spent with the Supreme Court (SC), retiring Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin yesterday said he has no regrets.

Bersamin, who will spend his last day with the SC on Oct. 17, attended his last flag raising ceremony and thanked officials and employees of the high court for making his job easier.

“My tenure officially ends at midnight on Thursday... As that moment draws near, I experience a deep sense of personal satisfaction. No regrets. This is because your steady support and willing cooperation have made my life as a member of the Court and as Chief Justice much less burdensome,” Bersamin said.

On Friday, Oct. 18, he turns 70 years old, which is the mandatory age of retirement for an SC justice.

Bersamin added that he is leaving the SC with mixed emotions – both happy and sad, to be leaving an institution that served as his second home for the past 10 years as an associate justice and when he was appointed as its chief justice in November 2018.

“Happy, because finally I go into retirement with the comforting thought that one younger magistrate shall continue the work I leave behind; very sad, because I am finally leaving this place and bidding farewell to this community. It is like leaving my home of over a decade. I have been with the Court for over 10 years now, the final 324 days being as Chief Justice.”

Speaking before his SC family, the outgoing chief magistrate said that throughout his tenure with the SC, he had been true to his oath of office and discharged his duties and responsibilities to the best of his ability.

“As Chief Justice, I have done everything within the bounds of the law to afford the fullest access to my office. If I was not able to address any concerns brought to my notice, it is not for lack of trying. Still I ask your understanding, I have limitations,” he said.

During his remaining days at the SC, Bersamin said he would be in his office to finish the tasks that need to be accomplished.