Marcelo Fernan
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Marcelo Briones Fernán (October 24, 1927–July 11, 1999) was a Filipino lawyer and political figure. He is the only Filipino to have headed both the judicial and legislative branches of government, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and as Senate president, respectively.
[edit] Early life and career
Fernán was born in Cebu City to mestizo parents. In 1953 he graduated with a degree in law from the University of the Philippines. He went to Harvard University in United States to obtain his masters degree. He returned to the Philippines soon after and entered politics as a delegate to the National Constitutional Convention. In 1977, he was elected national president of the Integrated Bar (National Lawyers Organization) and on 1988 became the chief justice of the Supreme Court.
[edit] Political life
He resigned as Chief Justice in 1991 to pursue running as president. He accepted the offer of Ramon Mitra as his vice presidential candidate of the LDP Party. In the 1992 elections, he however lost to actor and Senator Joseph Estrada. In the 1995 elections, Fernán ran for the Senate under the Lakas-Laban coalition and was elected. Fernán was elected Senate president at the opening of the 11th Congress in 1998. He was one who approved the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (Treaty) in 1999.
Fernán resigned the senate presidency on June 28, 1999 due to his failing health. He died of cancer only days later, on July 11 in Manila. He was buried in Cebu City. A newly built bridge was named after him linking Mandaue City to Mactan Island.
[edit] External link
| Preceded by Neptali A. Gonzales |
President of the Senate 1998–1999 |
Succeeded by Blas F. Ople |
| Preceded by Pedro L. Yap |
Chief Justice of the Philippines 1988–1991 |
Succeeded by Andres Narvasa |
