The Philippine judiciary celebrates the extraordinary career and legacy of Justice Remedios Salazar Fernando, whose five decades of public service concluded with her retirement in 2023. Known affectionately as "Mamita" or "Mamits" within the halls of justice, her journey from a law clerk to the highest echelons of the Court of Appeals is a powerful narrative of dedication, competence, and motherly leadership.
From Humble Beginnings to Judicial Leadership
Justice Fernando's distinguished career began after she passed the bar in 1977. She entered public service as a law clerk at the Supreme Court, a foundational role that grounded her in the nation's highest legal principles. Her capabilities soon led her to the executive branch, where she served as a member of the Presidential Management Staff in Malacañang Palace.
Her heart, however, remained in her home province. In 1983, she returned to Pampanga upon her appointment as the Municipal Trial Court Judge of Sta. Rita. Her exemplary performance there, which included an acting role as MTC Judge of Lubao in 1984, caught the attention of the highest office.
A Trailblazer Across Government Branches
Recognizing her devotion and skill, President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Fernando as the Chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 1987. She continued to break new ground, later serving concurrently as Assistant Secretary of the Land Transportation Office in 1991.
Her versatility was further demonstrated in 1992 with her appointment as a Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). While many would have considered this a crowning achievement, it was merely another chapter for Fernando. In 1999, she returned to the judiciary, appointed as an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, where she earned widespread respect for her scholarly and well-reasoned decisions.
The Pinnacle of a Storied Career
The capstone of her judicial service came on November 25, 2020, when President Rodrigo R. Duterte appointed her as the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals. As the primus inter pares (first among equals), she led multiple divisions of the court with notable discipline and respect. A significant institutional expansion occurred under her watch, with the Court of Appeals establishing three new divisions each in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro Cities.
Her excellence was recognized through numerous awards, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award, the Justice George A. Malcolm Award, and the 2008 Ulirang Ina Award for Law and Judiciary.
A Legacy of Family and 'Mamita's' Touch
Beyond her professional accolades, Justice Fernando was a devoted family woman. She was married to the late Judge Jose Ener S. Fernando and is a mother to two lawyers, Atty. Janina Marie S. Fernando-Lagman and Atty. John Daniel S. Fernando, and a grandmother to three.
Her leadership style was uniquely familial, earning her the enduring office nickname "Mamita"—a testament to her motherly nature and family-oriented approach. This evolved to the trendier "Mamits," bridging generational gaps from Baby Boomers to Gen-Z colleagues. Despite her high office, she remained deeply connected to her roots, enjoying the company of her high school classmates in Guagua, Pampanga, and engaging warmly with local lawyers.
On September 3, 2023, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo formally hailed PJ Salazar Fernando's half-century of service during her retirement rites. Remedios Salazar Fernando of Guagua is more than a retired justice; she is a living legend whose legacy is defined not just by her titles, but by the profound respect and affection she cultivated at every step of her remarkable journey.
