Agnes Devanadera
Encyclopedia
Agnes VST Devanadera is the 41st and first woman Philippine Solicitor General(with office at 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
, Metro Manila
, Philippines
) or Attorney General
duly appointed on February 22, 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
(having succeeded Supreme Court of the Philippines
Associate Justice
Antonio Nachura) assumed office on March 2, 2007. Devanadera is a candidate for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
(to be vacated by Ruben T. Reyes' retirement on January 2, 2009).
President Arroyo appointed Solicitor General Devanadera DOJ officer-in-charge on September 1, 2007, and as acting secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 5, 2007 to temporarily assist Raul Gonzalez (Philippines), 75, who was hospitalized for bleeding stomach ulcer and later he had kidney
transplant
. Alberto Agra rsucceeded her as Government Corporate Counsel, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ). She is an Ateneo de Manila Law School alumnus
, and student of her mentor, Dr. Hernando Perez, former Secretary of Justice.
Artemio Panganiban
. Devanadera’s name, however, was deleted in the final list of nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council
to the President because of pending graft / regular administrative cases against her (Sec. 5.1, JBC-009 Rule) Governor Luis Singson filed versus Devanadera and others before the Office of the Ombudsman
of the Philippines criminal cases
(Anti-Plunder Act in relation to Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act involving the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone). As government corporate counsel and board of trustee of the Manila Water
(Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System), she was also sued regarding MWSS board resolution dated July 29, 2004.
, on July 4, 2008, dismissed the unverified letter-complaint of "Concerned Citizens" which charged Agnes VST Devanadera, Rolando Faller and Santiago Varela of engaging "directly or indirectly in partisan political activities" in the last elections.
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, Metro Manila
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
) or Attorney General
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
duly appointed on February 22, 2007 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
(having succeeded Supreme Court of the Philippines
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
Associate Justice
Associate Justice
Associate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
Antonio Nachura) assumed office on March 2, 2007. Devanadera is a candidate for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines is one of 15 members of the Philippine Supreme Court, the highest court in the Philippines. The Chief Justice presides over the High Court, but carries only 1 of the 15 votes in the court...
(to be vacated by Ruben T. Reyes' retirement on January 2, 2009).
President Arroyo appointed Solicitor General Devanadera DOJ officer-in-charge on September 1, 2007, and as acting secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 5, 2007 to temporarily assist Raul Gonzalez (Philippines), 75, who was hospitalized for bleeding stomach ulcer and later he had kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
transplant
Organ transplant
Organ transplantation is the moving of an organ from one body to another or from a donor site on the patient's own body, for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or absent organ. The emerging field of regenerative medicine is allowing scientists and engineers to create organs to be...
. Alberto Agra rsucceeded her as Government Corporate Counsel, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ). She is an Ateneo de Manila Law School alumnus
Alumnus
An alumnus , according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "a graduate of a school, college, or university." An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor or inmate as well as a former student. In addition, an alumna is "a female graduate or former student of a school, college,...
, and student of her mentor, Dr. Hernando Perez, former Secretary of Justice.
Legal controversy
Devanadera and Antonio Nachura contested the position of associate justice, vacated by Chief JusticeChief Justice
The Chief Justice in many countries is the name for the presiding member of a Supreme Court in Commonwealth or other countries with an Anglo-Saxon justice system based on English common law, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Court of Final Appeal of...
Artemio Panganiban
Artemio Panganiban
Artemio V. Panganiban , "The Renaissance Jurist of the 21st Century" was the 21st Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Philippines.-Early life and education:...
. Devanadera’s name, however, was deleted in the final list of nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council
Judicial and Bar Council
The Judicial and Bar Council of the Philippines is a constitutionally-created body that recommends appointees for vacancies that may arise in the composition of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.-Composition:...
to the President because of pending graft / regular administrative cases against her (Sec. 5.1, JBC-009 Rule) Governor Luis Singson filed versus Devanadera and others before the Office of the Ombudsman
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between an organization and some internal or external constituency while representing not only but mostly the broad scope of constituent interests...
of the Philippines criminal cases
Legal case
A legal case is a dispute between opposing parties resolved by a court, or by some equivalent legal process. A legal case may be either civil or criminal...
(Anti-Plunder Act in relation to Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act involving the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone). As government corporate counsel and board of trustee of the Manila Water
Manila Water
The Manila Water Company, Inc. is a public utility company in the Philippines. Manila Water, as it is more commonly known, is the East Concessionaire of MWSS during its privatization on August 1, 1997, with its counterpart Maynilad Water Services, Inc. as the West Concessionaire...
(Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System), she was also sued regarding MWSS board resolution dated July 29, 2004.
Disbarment case
The 8-page Supreme Court judgment of Conchita Carpio-MoralesConchita Carpio-Morales
Conchita Carpio-Morales is the newly appointed and current Ombudsman of the Philippines. She was previously an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines....
, on July 4, 2008, dismissed the unverified letter-complaint of "Concerned Citizens" which charged Agnes VST Devanadera, Rolando Faller and Santiago Varela of engaging "directly or indirectly in partisan political activities" in the last elections.
Career, Timeline
- Devanadera was mayorMayorIn many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Sampaloc, QuezonSampaloc, QuezonSampaloc is a 5th class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 13,534 people....
, from 1988 to 1997. - She was president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines during the term of President Fidel Ramos. Devanadera contributed to PIRMA’s (People's InitiativePeople's InitiativePeople’s Initiative or "PI" is one of the modes in which the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines could be amended. The other two modes are via Constituent Assembly or "Con-Ass" and Constitutional Convention or "Con-Con"; which also allow revisions....
for Reform, Modernization and Action) gathering of signatures for constitutional change to let Ramos seek reelection and lift the term limits of local officials. - She was executive director of Lakas-Christian Muslim DemocratsLakas-Christian Muslim DemocratsLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was a political party in the Philippines and the predecessor of Lakas Kampi CMD. Its ideology and that of its successor is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
from June 1998 to August 2000. - She was appointed undersecretaryUndersecretaryAn under secretary is an executive government official in many countries, frequently a career public servant, who typically acts as a senior administrator or second-in-command to a politically-appointed Cabinet Minister or other government official...
for legal and legislative affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government (Philippines)Department of the Interior and Local Government (Philippines)The Philippines' Department of the Interior and Local Government is the executive department of the Philippine Government responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety, and strengthening the capabilities of local government units...
from April 1, 2003, to Aug. 31, 2004. - Devanadera is a protégé of former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez, (who like her father, is resident of BatangasBatangasBatangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the...
). - She worked as Perez’ partner in Balgos and Perez law office, 1976 to 1987.
- Devanadera became a senior partner of the Libarios, Jalandoni, Devanadera and Dimayuga law firmLaw firmA law firm is a business entity formed by one or more lawyers to engage in the practice of law. The primary service rendered by a law firm is to advise clients about their legal rights and responsibilities, and to represent clients in civil or criminal cases, business transactions, and other...
; she handled cases against former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez (a.k.a. Mario Crespo). In 2002, Jimenez charged that Devanadera went to his house to extort money. She contradicted the accusation by alleging that she politically contributed to Jimenez’ wife, Aleli Panascola's 2001 election campaign as mayor of Mauban, QuezonQuezon-History:Originally, what now forms Quezon was divided among the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, and Nueva Ecija. The area was first explored by Juan de Salcedo in 1571-1572, during his expedition from Laguna to Camarines provinces....
. Devanadera was appointed counsel of former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez who was held by the Ombudsman liable for graft and extortion regarding Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez's claim that Perez extorted $ 2 million from him. She successfully had Jimenez deported to the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for tax evasionTax evasionTax evasion is the general term for efforts by individuals, corporations, trusts and other entities to evade taxes by illegal means. Tax evasion usually entails taxpayers deliberately misrepresenting or concealing the true state of their affairs to the tax authorities to reduce their tax liability,...
trial. - She was appointed Department of Justice's (DoJ) undersecretary under Justice Secretary Simeon A. Datumanong
- On September 1, 2004, Devanadera officially assumed office as Government Corporate Counsel
- On September 29, 2005, Devanadera ordered the office of assistant government corporate counsel Efren Gonzales locked while he attended the Senate hearing on the North Rail project (regarding EO 464 controversy).
- President Arroyo appointed Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera DOJ officer-in-charge on September 1, 2007 and as acting secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 5, 2007 to temporarily assist Raul Gonzalez (Philippines), 75, who was hospitalized for bleeding stomach ulcer and later had kidneyKidneyThe kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
transplantOrgan transplantOrgan transplantation is the moving of an organ from one body to another or from a donor site on the patient's own body, for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or absent organ. The emerging field of regenerative medicine is allowing scientists and engineers to create organs to be...
. - Devanadera (in the 7-hour oral argument in the Supreme Court of the PhilippinesSupreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
Hello Garci scandalHello Garci scandalThe Hello Garci scandal was a political scandal and electoral crisis in the Philippines.The scandal involved former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who allegedly rigged the 2004 national election in her favor. The official results of that election gave Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Noli de Castro...
), when asked by an Associate JusticeAssociate JusticeAssociate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
how she would prefer to be addressed, since she was solicitor general and acting Secretary of Justice, she replied: “I would rather that I be there with you.” Devanadera pointing to the seat beside Chief Justice Reynato PunoReynato PunoReynato Puno y Serrano was the 22nd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Appointed on December 8, 2006 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he was the 22nd person to serve as Chief Justice...
, categorically admitting her quest to be Supreme Court of the PhilippinesSupreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
Associate JusticeAssociate JusticeAssociate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
. - AnakpawisAnakpawisAnakpawis is a party-list in the Philippines. The party-list is the electoral wing of the radical trade union movement Kilusang Mayo Uno.In the 2004 elections for the House of Representatives the party-list obtained 538,396 votes and two seats...
Rep. Crispin BeltranCrispin BeltranCrispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran was a Filipino politician and a labor leader. A staunch critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his imprisonment in 2006 and 2007 on disputed charges of rebellion and sedition drew international attention...
challenged her appointment as acting Justice Chief voicing his doubts "whether she would pursue the resolution of cases of extra-judicial killings and corruption in the country." Devanadera, per filed motion for reconsideration in the Supreme Court, blocked Beltran's release from incarceration due to the RebellionRebellionRebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
case.
As Solicitor General
- Devanadera graced the OSG 1st Painting Exhibit on 24 October 2007, collection of 46 paintings
- She successfully convinced the United States Department of Justice and the US Solicitor General to file a brief for the United States as amicus curiaeAmicus curiaeAn amicus curiae is someone, not a party to a case, who volunteers to offer information to assist a court in deciding a matter before it...
in the case of $35 million deposited account of Arelma (forfeiture case before the SandiganbayanSandiganbayanThe Sandiganbayan is a special court in the Philippines which was established under Presidential Decree No. 1606. Its rank is equivalent to the Court of Appeals. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Presiding Justice...
on Philippine claim) - Devanadera won for the Government in the MILK CODE case; the 53-page decision by Justice Ma. Alicia Austria-MartinezAlicia Austria-MartinezMa. Alicia Austria-Martinez is a Filipino jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 2002 to 2009...
upheld the validity of DOH Administrative Order No. 2006-0012 or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) dated May 12, 2006. - Devanadera graced the Investiture Rites of Dr. Hernando B. Perez as the 2nd president of the University of Batangas (UB) on 15 August 2007 at the University of Batangas, Batangas City. Particularly, SG Devanadera was among those who read the citation for Dr. Perez. She was an Ateneo de Manila Law School alumni, and student of her mentor, Dr. Hernando Perez.
See also
- www.osg.gov.ph, Sol Gen Devanadera named Acting DOJ chief
- www.osg.gov.ph, Message of Devanadera
- www.doj.gov.ph
- www.ogcc.gov.ph/images
- www.ogcc.gov.ph/press
- www.ogcc.gov.ph/images
