Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has reminded court judges of their Constitutional duty to uphold the virtues of competence, integrity, probity, and independence.

Speaking during the first day of the 29th Annual Convention of the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. (PTJLI) at the Travelers Hotel, Subic, Zambales, Gesmundo emphasized the qualities of a good judge.

Gesmundo also urged them to take a stake in the proposed reforms under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027. “Without your buy-in, reforms will not last, as they will never take root,” he said.

Likewise, he called on judges to work “efficiently, effectively, and ethically,” adding that “the Supreme Court will always be your safe haven.”

The PTJLI is an association of judges of the Municipal Trial Courts and the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts.

Meanwhile, Gesmundo and Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen met with their United States counterparts to discuss the Supreme Court’s plans to improve the Philippine judiciary.

Also present were Justice Theresa C. Gomez-Estoesta of the Sandiganbayan, Justice Jose Lorenzo dela Rosa of the Court of Appeals, Judge Marivic T. Daray of Digos City, Davao Del Sur Regional Trial Court, Branch 18, Judge Niño Delvin E. Embuscado of the Makati City Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 66, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Technology Officer, Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila from the Office of the Chief Justice, and Atty. Chudney G. Ngo, Representative/Project Manager from the U.S. Embassy.

Gesmundo welcomed the collaborative approach of the US NCSC and its unique insight into the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing state courts such as addressing issues on access to justice, technology migration, and cyber security.

He cited the specific areas which the Court had identified to be the centerpiece of its judicial reform initiative by way of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 or the SPJI.

The US NCSC was represented by Jeffrey Apperson, Vice President for International Relations.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas