QC council eyes naming building after Muñoz-Palma

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City council has approved an ordinance naming the city’s new justice building in honor of the late Cecilia Muñoz-Palma, the first Filipina appointed as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

“Even during the dark days of martial law, Justice Muñoz-Palma exhibited exemplary courage and conviction in openly criticizing – through her dissenting opinions – both the civilian and military authorities for the rampant violation of our people’s Constitution and human rights,” read the ordinance recently approved on third and final reading by the council.

The measure, filed by sixth district Councilor Donato Matias, said it is fitting to name the new justice building after Muñoz-Palma, who also served in 1984 as a member of the parliament, representing Quezon City.

She was also part of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, which drafted the 1987 Constitution ratified during the administration of former President Corazon Aquino.

The measure has yet to be signed into law by Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Muñoz-Palma, who topped the 1937 Philippine Bar exams, died at the age of 92 in January 2006.

The new justice building is currently under construction beside the current Hall of Justice inside the city hall complex. It is expected to house the offices of the city prosecutors.