Source: www.officialgazette.gov.ph
The Order may be awarded posthumously to any person entitled thereto, in which case it shall be received by his legal heirs; if there be no legal heir, by his nearest of kin; if there be no heir or nearest of kin, by any person designated by the President of the Philippines, or the Secretary of Justice, acting by authority of the President, to receive the award on behalf of the deceased.
1. First class
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for extraordinary services and high standard of performance in the judicial branch of government, notably in the Supreme Court, or in the field of international law;
2. Second class
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for exceptionally meritorious services in the judicial and other branches of government;
3. Third class
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for outstanding services in the administration of justice in the government.
4. Fourth class
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for excellent services in the enhancement of the rule of law and high degree of professionalism and integrity in private law practice.