By Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief
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San Francisco - After two hours of tributes and praises, and only two dissenting opinions, the State Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed Wednesday the nomination of Filipino-American Tani Cantil-Sakauye as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

A parade of witnesses from the judiciary and the Filipino community extolled the nominee’s talent and character.  Court of Appeal Administrative Presiding Justice Arthur Scotland told the Commission, “perfect, grateful – those two words best sum up my feelings about (her) nomination.”

“She is the daughter of 2 outstanding Californians who instilled in her the importance of excellence and fairness,” said California’s former Acting Lt. Governor Mona Pasquil.

Cantil-Sakauye’s confirmation was a joyful moment for the Filipinos who served as witnesses in the hearing, as well as for those who watched the proceedings in a nearby auditorium.

At a press conference, Cantil-Sakauye promised an inclusive and collaborative leadership, a commitment to listen to all voices and provide public access to the courts.

She also told reporters that she expects permutations of big issues, like same-sex marriage, to return to the high court.

The daughter of farm workers and a one-time blackjack dealer, The chief justice nominee said her background would give her a different perspective to some cases but not on how she applies the law. “As a woman, or as a Filipino or as a mother or as a 50-year-old woman in this society, that always influences how I see the facts, how I interpret the facts and how I understand the facts.  But in terms of the rule of law, I apply the rule of law based on precedence,” explained Cantil-Sakauye.

She added her two daughters will not have a problem adjusting to her new job.  “My children were born into the family when I was already a judge.  They started growing up around courtrooms and jury boxes and holding tanks. So I’m not sure they grasp the magnitude (of this). I have a 14 year-old and an 11 year old and basically, they want to go to the mall.”

Aside from giving the 7-member court its first female majority, Justice Cantil-Sakauye would be the first non-white, the first Filipino and the first Asian to hold the post.

She has become a new source of inspiration for her kababayans.  Lawyer Ace Climaco said, “We are ecstatic that she was confirmed today. “

“To see this now is a kind of a culmination of her career and her participation in our community and it’s heartwarming to say the least,” added community leader Dennis Normandy.

Faced with a heavy workload, she said she has not yet decided if she would campaign for the November elections.  If voters approve her nomination, Cantil-Sakauye will serve a 12-year term as top judge in the country’s most populous state.

It would still be a while before she gets to be officially called Chief Justice. However, with her exceptional talent and openness to all sectors of the community, many observers and insiders are predicting that Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will breeze through the November elections.

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