PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I, 485BPOS, EX-99.2, 2001-01-08

PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I
485BPOS, EX-99.2, 2001-01-08

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                            [Penn Mutual Letterhead]




January 5, 2001

Board of Trustees
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Philadelphia, PA 19172

Re:      Flexible Premium Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policy
         SEC Registration Statement - SEC File No. 33-54662
         ----------------------------------------------------------



Ladies and Gentlemen:

         In my opinion the Cornerstone VUL IV flexible premium adjustable life
insurance policy, included in the above reference registration statement filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will, when issued, be legally
issued and represent legal obligations of the Company.

         I hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion in the above
referenced registration statement as an exhibit.

Sincerely,


/s/ Franklin L. Best, Jr.
----------------------------
Franklin L. Best, Jr.
Managing Corporate Counsel