A Filipino lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, known for his significant contributions to the country's jurisprudence and legal system.
Abraham Florendo Sarmiento Sr., a Filipino jurist, is renowned for his unrelenting opposition to the martial law government of President Ferdinand Marcos, and his subsequent appointment as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines by Marcos' successor, President Corazon Aquino.
Sarmiento was born on October 8, 1921, in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur. He completed his primary and secondary education in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class. During World War II, Sarmiento joined the USAFFE and the underground guerilla resistance against the Imperial Japanese Army. After the war, he completed his law studies at the University of the Philippines College of Law, earning his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1949.
Upon his admission to the Philippine Bar, Sarmiento entered into private practice. In the 1950s, he formed a law partnership with Senators Gerardo Roxas and Justiniano Montano. He successfully ran for a seat to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1971 as a delegate from Cavite, serving as the vice-president of the convention tasked with drafting a new Constitution.
In 1987, President Corazon Aquino appointed Sarmiento as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, a position he held until 1991. This appointment was a testament to his integrity, courage, and commitment to upholding the rule of law, even in the face of adversity.
Abraham Sarmiento's legacy extends beyond his impressive professional achievements. He inspired a generation of Filipinos to stand up against oppression and fight for democracy. His unwavering commitment to justice and human rights continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those struggling for freedom and equality.
Abraham Sarmiento's life is a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and principle. His unwavering stand against martial law and his commitment to upholding the rule of law serve as a shining example to all who seek to make a difference in the world. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate generations to come.
