Fr. Joaquin Bernas, 88

MANILA, Philippines — Jesuit priest and lawyer Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, died early yesterday morning. He was 88.

His death was confirmed by the Ateneo de Manila University, where Bernas served as president from 1984 to 1993.

He was also the dean of the Ateneo School of Law twice, from 1972 to 1976 and from 2000 to 2004. Upon his retirement, he was conferred the title dean emeritus.

“We take solace in the knowledge that his was an earthly life filled with meaning and purpose. An earthly life dedicated to service, to standards of excellence, to the greater glory of God,” Ateneo Law School dean Jose Maria Hofileña said in a memo to the law school community.

“Indeed, a man, an excellent man, for others. He has contributed immeasurably to keeping the Ateneo Law School true to its identity and calling. The Ateneo Law School’s debt of gratitude to Fr. Bernas can never truly be fully repaid,” he added.

A member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution, Bernas was a leading constitutional expert and a pillar of legal education in the country.

He earned his law degree at the Ateneo Law School in 1962, graduating as class valedictorian and placing 9th in the Bar examinations that year.

Bernas also had a Doctorate in Juridical Science and a Master of Laws from New York University; a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Woodstock College and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts in English, Latin and Greek Classics from Berchmans College in Cebu.

He held other leadership positions in the Ateneo and the Jesuit community, including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1970–1971), Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines (1976–1982) and Rector of the Jesuit Residence (1994–2000).

Friends and colleagues mourned the passing of the noted constitutionalist.

Former Ateneo School of Government dean Tony La Viña, who teaches constitutional law at the University of the Philippines College of Law, described Bernas as a prolific author, academic leader and an anti-dictatorship fighter.

“Another death. But for sure, not an ordinary life was lived by Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ,” he said in a post on social media. “Thank you Fr. Bernie! Thank you for building this nation through your teaching, writing, political engagement and leadership in Ateneo de Manila, the Society of Jesus and the Church! We will give you a long goodbye!”

Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, dean of the San Beda Graduate School of Law, also paid tribute to Bernas, whom he described as a friend and model.

“His scholarly dedication to the law did not detract from his priestly consecration: He gave retreats and recollections and regularly celebrated the Holy Eucharistic,” he said. “Several years ago he was offered a seat on the High Court. He modestly declined and expressed his preference to remain a philosopher of the law. I called him frequently and I learned from him.”

Mel Sta. Maria, dean of the Far Eastern University’s Institute of Law, said the country lost a great man but his inspiration lives on.

“It was always inspiring to talk to him and just listen. I left saying to myself, I just have to speak up and write something, maybe people will listen,” he said, recalling the last time he met with Bernas.

“He once told me that I should not think so much of people’s reaction about my articles, I just have to write it and speak out because somewhere out there, even if only one listens, that is enough. The seeds are planted,” added Sta. Maria.