San Jose, Antique (14 October 2009) — “A man of integrity and vanguard of Justice”, were words used by the Judges of the Courts that best describe the late Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar during the commemoration of his 30th Death Anniversary held at the Calixto P. Zaldivar Hall of Justice.
Judge Nery M. Duremdes, Executive Judge of the Hall of Justice in his words of welcome during the program exalted the life and works of Zaldivar having served the three departments of government namely the legislative, executive and judicial. Justice Zaldivar has acquired the reputation of being an independent minded member of court and a voice that dissent declaration of martial law.
On the other hand, Judge Rafael Penuela, the Guest Speaker during the occasion challenged the young generations to honor the heroism of Justice Zaldivar by living his convictions and emulating the good deeds so that his legacy will forever remain in the hearts and mind of every young Antiqueño and will not be put in vain.
Governor Salvacion Z. Perez, daughter of Justice Zaldivar expressed her gratitude and that of her family to the members of Judiciary and other local officials who organized the activity in observance of her father’s death anniversary.
Justice Zaldivar, born on September 13, 1904 in Pandan, Antique has served the legislative department as Councilor in 1934, elected Assemblyman, Antique’s representative to the Philippine Legislature and a member of National Assembly in 1938-1941. In 1951 to 1955 he was elected Governor of the province and the appointed as Executive Secretary in 1964 under the administration of then President Diosdado Macapagal. On the same year he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. (PSM/PIA)