FOR THE second time, Russian Federation Supreme Court Chief Justice visited the Asia’s oldest university last June 15.
Chief Justice Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Lebedev, together with Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Nikolay Rishatovich Kudashev, had his exchange of pleasantries with Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P., Rector of the University, along with other UST officials in the Rector’s Board Hall at the Main Building.
De la Rosa toured Lebedev at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, Quadricentennial Square, and Miguel de Benavides Library.
A reception followed at the Faculty of Civil Law lobby which was spearheaded by Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina and Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., director of the Office for Quadricentennial Highlights and Activities.
In 2006, Lebedev received Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from UST for “embarking on the development and improvement of the Russian judicial system,” said in an interview with the Varsitarian by former Faculty of Civil Law dean Alfredo Benipayo, who petitioned for Lebedev’s conferment.
“Justice accessibility should be served by guaranteeing judicial protection of rights and freedom of every person,” said Lebedev during the Global Forum on Liberty and Prosperity in 2006.
Before he became chief justice in 1989, Lebedev was chairman of the Moscow City court from 1986 to 1989 and chairman of the Zheleznodorozhny District People’s Court from 1977 to 1984. He finished his bachelor of laws at the Moscow Lomonosov State University in 1968.
The University grants the “honoris causa” or honorary degree to those who made remarkable contribution in their respective fields. Among the recipients were former presidents Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Sr., Manuel Roxas and Corazon Aquino, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Feria.
