Cayetano Arellano

Cayetano Simplicio Arellano y Lonzón (March 2, 1847 – December 23, 1920) was a Filipino jurist who served as the first Chief Justice of the Philippines from 1899 to 1920.

Early life Cayetano Arellano was born to Servando Arellano and Cristy Lonzon. His father was a Spanish peninsular who came to the Philippines. He was educated at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Santo Tomas, where he studied to become a priest. His studies for priesthood included philology, philosophy, theology, and civil and canon law.

At the age of 15, Arellano graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy in 1862 and then with a Bachelor of Theology in 1867. However, he did not become a priest and instead entered the field of law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1876.

Career Arellano worked as a lawyer and taught law at the University of Santo Tomas until 1898. From 1887 to 1889, he was a member of the Manila City Council. He was offered the position of Civil Governor of Manila, but declined the offer.

After the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, Arellano was appointed as secretary of foreign affairs. However, he joined the United States government after the rebellion was defeated.

Governor-General William Howard Taft and Arellano worked to create a judicial system for the Philippines. The Real Audiencia was reorganised into the Supreme Court of the Philippines. On January 29, 1899, Arellano was appointed as chief justice of the court. The court had seven members, four Americans and three Filipinos, who were all paid $7,000 per year, with Arellano receiving $7,500. He served as chief justice until 1920.

Arellano was one of the founding members of the Federalista Party.

In G.R. No. 3621 (July 26, 1907 - United States v. Macario Sakay, et al.), the Supreme Court headed by Arellano affirmed the death sentence of Macario Sakay and his co-accused. Sakay was a hero of the Philippine Revolution, formally honored by a state-produced historical marker.

Arellano University was founded by Arellano. The University of the Philippines bestowed its first honorary degree to Arellano.

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