Joaquin G. Bernas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ is Dean Emeritus of Ateneo Law School in Makati City, Philippines. He was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the present Philippine Constitution.
Bernas is a renowned expert in the Philippine Constitution and a prolific author of law books and articles.
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[edit] Education
Bernas earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, Latin, and Greek Classics and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Berchmans College in 1956 and 1957 respectively. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo Law School in 1962 and placed 9th in the bar examinations of that year (the late PCGG Chairwoman Haydee Yorac placed 8th).
Bernas earned degrees in Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Woodstock College in 1966, Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science from New York University in 1965 and 1968 respectively.
[edit] Career
Bernas served as Dean of Ateneo Law School, President of Ateneo de Manila University from 1984 to 1993, a Member of the Constitutional Commission formed by President Corazon Aquino in 1986, a Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, and a Director of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Upon his retirement as Law Dean in 2004, Bernas was conferred the position of Dean Emeritus at Ateneo School of Law. He continues to teach Constitutional Law and Public International Law to law freshmen and sophomores.
[edit] Academic Reputation
For his scholastic achievements, professional work, and detachment from Philippine politics, Bernas enjoys high credibility as an unbiased and independent legal expert.
Bernas is a frequent resource speaker in legal conferences and workshops. He has authored several law books and law articles published and widely-used by Filipino lawyers and law students. His published works are often cited in decisions penned by justices of the Philippine Supreme Court and judges of lower courts.
Bernas has served as Amicus Curiae (friend of the court), rendering expert legal advice during court sessions at the Philippine Supreme Court, and during legislative investigations at the Philippine Senate.
[edit] Publications
- The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines: A Commentary. Rex Bookstore (2003).
- Constitutional Structure and Powers of Government. Rex Bookstore (2006).
- Constitutional Rights and Social Demands. Rex Bookstore (2004).
- The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines: A Comprehensive Reviewer. Rex Bookstore (2006).
- An Introduction to Public International Law. Rex Bookstore (2002).
- From One-Man Rule to "People Power." 46 Ateneo Law Journal 44 (2001).
- The Intent of the 1986 Constitution Writers. Rex Bookstore (1995).
