IT APPEARED near-certain that the Superior Court of Guam will have its judicial vacancy filled in by the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel Maria Teresa B. Cenzon with the outcome of yesterday’s confirmation hearing at the Legislature.

Island leaders, friends, family and members of the legal community gathered in support of Cenzon’s nomination as Superior Court judge, a position that was vacated upon the retirement of Judge Elizabeth Barrett Anderson earlier this year.

Cenzon, 42, has more than 17 years of experience practicing law on Guam. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marquette University in May 1992 and went on to earn her Juris Doctor at Loyola University School of Law in May 1996. Prior to her current role as Gov. Eddie Calvo’s chief legal advisor, Cenzon served as the Judiciary of Guam’s Director of Policy, Planning, & Community Relations.

During yesterday’s hearing, comments on Cenzon’s nomination
were positive and supportive.

Chief Justice of Guam F. Philip Carbullido spoke with great hope and support for Cenzon to fill the judicial vacancy.

“I am confident that, if confirmed, (Cenzon) will be more than capable of assuming her duties as a Judge of the Superior Court of Guam,” he stated, later explaining Cenzon’s prior role at the Judiciary.

“In my observation, (Cenzon’s) professional background and demeanor have prepared her to be tested in the virtues of a good judge,” the Chief Justice added. “The requirements, duties, and demands that are imposed by judicial life can be lonely at times. The personal sacrifice she will be making for herself and her family will be necessary to advance justice and ensure that our courts are reliable in resolving conflicts."

Good qualities

As Attorney General Leonardo Rapadas delivered his testimony, he spoke of his observations of Cenzon, pointing out his belief that she possessed the qualities of a good judge. 

“In the time that I dealt with her as the governor’s legal counsel, I saw someone who stepped into a legal hornets’ nest and make her way through the many issues confronting that office,” he stated.  “I saw someone quickly pick up from where her predecessor left off without skipping a beat.  I appreciated that, being on the other side of an issue many times."

In a letter submitted by U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Anthony Babauta, it was evident that Cenzon’s professionalism also garnered his support.

“It is my strong belief that judge-nominee Cenzon’s personal and professional experiences best suit this entrusted position, among the island’s community, for her to ably administer the law fairly and equitably,” he wrote. “Her caliber and proficiency of law along with her thoughtfulness and appreciation for equality within a diverse yet intimate island community will serve all who seek justice in her court.”

Humbled

Finally, Cenzon spoke of her humbling experience from the confirmation hearing after the outpouring of support from her friends, family and colleagues.

“You know, when you watch the news, you often hear others who have been nominated to positions of similar stature remark about how ‘humbled’ they are to have been selected and I have thought, ‘Well, isn't that nice,’” she stated. “But the depth of the humility that I felt to hear people who I consider significant and important in my life bear witness to what they think of my nomination ... that is an indescribable joy.”

She expressed with unequivocal confidence that she is ready to take on the duties of a Superior Court judge.

“I truly believe that all roads taken have led me here,” she stated, explaining her past roles as a private practitioner, policy director at the Unified Courts of Guam, and legal advisor to the governor.

“In these various capacities I have been exposed to the law in all of their various forms – from conception, to enactment, to enforcement and, hopefully, following confirmation, to its application and interpretation,” she said.

“With each step and vocation, I have learned what it means to preserve the integrity of the legal system. And as a judge, I cannot do this without ensuring the preservation and protection of democracy as a whole.”

If confirmed, Cenzon will be the first female Filipino judge of the Superior Court.