SC pays tribute to Justice Mario Lopez

Members of the Supreme Court (SC) honored Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez during his retirement ceremony on 3 June 2025, held at the SC En Banc Session Hall, marking the conclusion of a distinguished judicial career.

Justice Lopez officially retired on 4 June upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

In a special En Banc session, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and the Associate Justices gathered to pay tribute to Justice Lopez’s decades of exemplary service to the judiciary.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen served as master of ceremonies.

In recognition of his contributions, Justice Lopez was presented with the Philippine flag, the SC flag, a pin, timepiece, seal, photo album, brass shingle, ring, judicial robe, gavel, plaque of recognition, and the prestigious Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award.

Chief Justice Gesmundo praised Justice Lopez as a jurist whose deep expertise in criminal law has greatly enriched the country’s justice system.

“His pen was sharp but fair, and his conduct inspired respect for the law,” Gesmundo said. “His unwavering passion for criminal law has left an indelible mark on our justice system, lending clarity to difficult questions of law and ensuring that justice is tempered by compassion and the spirit and purpose of the law.”

He added, “Legacy is not measured by the duration of service, but by the principles one lives by and the justice one delivers.”

Justice Lopez, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after lecturers in criminal law, reflected on his judicial journey in his valedictory address. He emphasized his commitment to crafting decisions that were “not only predictable in logic, but acceptable in spirit to the Filipino people,” underscoring his belief that “the law must not only be correct — it must be compassionate.”

“I balance the word and the intent of the law so that justice may be done to the litigant,” Justice Lopez stressed. “I firmly believe that every decision is not just words on paper but the life and future of our fellow Filipinos.”

Justice Lopez also served as the Working Chairperson of the SC Mental Health Committee.

Highlighting the importance of mental wellness, the SC has implemented a unified health program for the judiciary, including both physical and mental health support for its personnel.

He recalled landmark rulings he authored, including one where he reduced the sentence of an individual imprisoned for stealing a small amount of money.

This case is featured in his book of decisions titled Pedagogical Tones Beneath the Gavel, which he presented to the Supreme Court.

Other landmark rulings authored by Justice Lopez include: G.R. No. 243968, De Alban v. Commission on Elections; G.R. No. 205275, Mamerto Austria v. AAA and BBB; G.R. No. 239215, Knutson v. Hon. Elisa R Sarmiento-Flores; G.R. No. 191039, Arlene Homol v. People of the Philippines; G.R. No. 262941, People of the Philippines v. YYY; and G.R. No. 184661, FILSCAP v. Wolfpac Communications, Inc.