
Judge Guevara at the foot of the US Capitol after winning a case at the US Supreme Court
The Collection
The papers of Judge Guevara consisted primarily of correspondence, speeches, writings and clippings supplemented by personal diaries, court papers, memorabilia, and photographs cover the period from 1915 to 1977. Documents during his tenure as a member of the Code Commission are especially useful for persons interested in the Civil Code and penal sciences. Newspaper clippings chronicling the numerous cases Judge Guevara investigated during his role as President Ramon Magsaysay’s “graftbuster” are also included in the collections. The collection, totaling to about 700 volumes, covers penal sciences, economics, history, literature, and philosophy.
The Exhibition
Four Amorsolo paintings, including a portrait of the Judge and three historical works of the National Artist, are on permanent display.
Judge Guevara, who started collecting works of Amorsolo before World War II, become one of the first avid collectors of the artist’s paintings. In one of his post-war visits to Amorsolo’s studio, he saw an unfinished work depicting a woman with white bandana on her head. He told Amorsolo that he would purchase this work after the artist finishes it. This work would later be known as Bataan. Being a history aficionado, the Judge commissioned Amorsolo to paint two significant events in Philippine history: Ang Wakas ni Magallanes and the Assassination of Governor Bustamante. The former is the only known work by Amorsolo depicting this particular historic event.
Also on exhibit are photographs of Judge Guevara with a number of notable national and political figures, including 8 Philippine presidents. Numerous certificates and awards bestowed upon Judge Guevara in recognition of his significant contributions to the society are also displayed.
Note: As of 2022, the Judge Guillermo B. Guevara room is no longer accessible but some of his works can still be accessed here on the website.
Awards and Certificates
Also on display are certificates and plaques awarded to Judge Guevara throughout the years of his service.