Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban Jr. formally received his Papal award from the Pope during a ceremony held at the Manila Cathedral.
The event took place following a mass led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
Cardinal Advincula presented Panganiban with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, an honor given by the Pope to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the Catholic Church.
Panganiban expressed deep gratitude to the Pope for the recognition, noting that serving the Church has always been close to his heart.
He previously served as president of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation and was the 21st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from December 2005 to 2007.