Cayetano Arellano on Philippines Stamps

CAYETANO ARELLANO

2 March 1847 to 23 December 1920

Cayetano Arellano was the first Chief Justice under the American Civil Government. He was Chief Justice from 1901 until his retirement in April 1920, making him the longest serving Chief Justice.

Upon the onset of the American civil government in 1901 Arellano was appointed as the first Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Arellano, among with others, testified that the Philippines was not yet ready for self-rule and petitioned the U.S. Congress to create representation, as well as a Philippine Congress and a federal Court. Many historians consider that Arellano as one of the persons who literally 'placed' the Philippines under American Rule, and consequently was considered a lackey of the American rule in the Philippines. However, his judicial expertise was one of the reasons why he was chosen to be the first leader of the Philippine Judiciary. However, all misgivings about his motives have been erased by the fact that he gave honour to the office of the Supreme Court to a high degree that remains unsurpassed.