SC Welcomes Signing Into Law of RA 11691
April 28, 2022
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo today welcomed the signing into law of Republic Act No. 11691, or the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating the Office of the Judiciary Marshals which will protect and safeguard the country‟s court system.
Under RA 11691 (An Act Creating the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, Defining its Powers, and Functions, and Appropriating Funds Therefor), the Office of the Judiciary Marshals shall be primarily responsible for the security, safety, and protection of the members, officials, personnel, and property of the Judiciary, including the integrity of the courts and its proceedings.
Chief Justice Gesmundo said that RA 11691 will be a great help not only to the Supreme Court but to the entire Judiciary as well in ensuring an efficient and effective delivery of justice.
“Indeed, the creation of RA 11691 will not only secure, protect, and safeguard the Judiciary but will also boost the morale of its members, officials, and personnel at this time when there is the concern of the threats to judges and killings of lawyers,” expressed the Chief Justice.
“As the Supreme Court En Banc expressed in a statement on March 23, 2021, „the Judiciary is one of the three pillars of our republican democracy, which itself hangs on a careful balance between and among governmental powers. To threaten our judges and our lawyers is no less than an assault on the Judiciary. To assault the Judiciary is to shake the very bedrock on which the rule of law stands,‟” added Chief Justice Gesmundo.
The Chief Justice, in a meeting with United States Embassy officials last February, said that he will seek the assistance of the United States Government in the operationalization of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, especially in establishing a judiciary marshals academy.