Davide called the award Saturday his "greatest gift from the legal profession." Kennedy said he accepted it with the understanding there is still much to be done to promote the rule of law around the world. Both were honored at the ABA’s national convention in Honolulu — Davide for his work in election and legal reform in the Philippines and Kennedy for his work promoting the rule of law abroad.
Kennedy, who has been on the US high court since he was appointed by former US President Ronald Reagan in 1988, has spent summers in Austria, teaching international and American law at the University of Salzburg. He also has been active in international judicial conferences.
Davide was appointed presidential adviser on electoral reform by President Arroyo in January, shortly after he retired as chief justice. He had been on the Supreme Court since 1991 and became chief justice in 1998.
The Philippines’ Supreme Court and much of its law is patterned after that of the United States, which claimed the Philippines as a colony in the late 19th century and recognized its independence in 1946.
Davide, the first Filipino judicial figure to receive the ABA international award, praised the ABA for its efforts to promote justice, freedom and democracy around the world.
He said it works unceasingly to advance and the rule of law and improve legal systems, especially in developing countries.