The Filipino people are grateful to Chief Justice Hilario Davide for being a paragon of service, honesty and evenhandedness in upholding the rule of law.

We share the public’s recognition and high regard for him for setting the standard for the judiciary as an exemplar of upright conduct in clear view of everyone, and profound wisdom that touches all, rich or poor, young or old.

Chief Justice Davide holds a piece of Philippine history in his hands, considering the vital role he has played in judicial reform, and in strengthening the law in a period of social and political change.

As a bedrock of confidence and stability, he has helped shape the country’s political and economic future.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her and the Filipino people’s gratitude to Chief Justice Hilario Davide, who retires effective today, for being "a paragon of service, honesty and evenhandedness in upholding the rule of law."

In a statement, the President said she shares the public’s recognition and high regard for Davide for setting the standard for the judiciary "as an exemplar of upright conduct … and profound wisdom that touches all, rich or poor, young or old."

"Chief Justice Davide holds a piece of Philippine history in his hands, considering the vital role he has played in judicial reform, and in strengthening the law in a period of social and political change," she said.

Davide, who hails from Argao, Cebu, has occupied positions in all three branches of government.

Prior to his stint in the Judiciary, he served as assemblyman in the Interim Batasang Pambansa (1978-1984) and Chairman of the Commission on Elections (1988-1990).

He was a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention and was a commissioner in the 1986 Constitutional Commission.

In late 2000, Davide was thrust into the international spotlight when he presided over the impeachment trial against then President Joseph Estrada. His impartiality in handling the proceedings earned him the respect and trust of the Filipinos.

President Arroyo said it would be difficult to find someone to fit Davide's shoes, "at a time when the nation needs bright beacons to guide, and sturdy pillars to lean on.

"As a bedrock of confidence and stability, he has helped shape the country’s political and economic future," she said.

In 2002, Davide was conferred the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. He was also named 2003 Man of the Year by the Philippines Free Press.

Davide has been conferred numerous honorary doctoral in law and humanities degrees. He is known as the Centennial and Millennial Chief Justice, having led the Court during its 100^th year since its establishment in June 1901.

He was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on Jan. 24, 1991 and Chief Justice on Nov. 30, 1998.

Malacaņang urged today some members of Congress to stop grandstanding and instead focus their attention on the cores issues of the Consultative Commission’s (ConCom) recommendations on Charter amendments.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that instead of grandstanding on the ConCom’s recommendations, concerned lawmakers should concentrate on the key proposals put forward by the 54-member commission.

"We ask our concerned lawmakers to refrain from grandstanding on the recommendations of the ConCom and maligning the eminent body and debate instead on the core issues at hand to enable our country to move forward and cope with the changing world around us," Bunye said.

Some members of Congress have accused ConCom members, who opted for the cancellation of the 2007 elections and the extension of the current terms of office of elective officials to 2010 under the proposed revised Constitution, of allegedly following a Malacanang script.

This accusation has been roundly rejected by Malacanang, which pointed out that at no time had it interfered with the work of the commission.

"The dissenting opinion from a minority of the Consultative Commission is a clear manifestation of full democratic deliberations and refutes all insinuations that the commissioners were handpicked to serve the interest of the President or the administration," Bunye said.