Chief Justice Gesmundo Calls for Simplicity and Generosity this Christmas
December 10, 2022
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has urged everyone to live in simplicity and to share their blessings to others in his Christmas message to the entire Judiciary.
At the Supreme Court’s annual Christmas celebration held yesterday, December 9, 2022, at the Supreme Court grounds in Ermita, Manila, Chief Justice Gesmundo urged employees of the Court to live simply, reminding them that “Christ lived a life in the modest of circumstance. That way, He sought to understand us, for he came not to judge us, never to condemn us, but to show us the path to our salvation. It is in being simple that we can truly understand others, most especially, the least of our brothers and sisters, for whom Christ had come. As has been said, let us live simply so that others may simply live.”
The Chief Justice reminded everyone that “the motivation for the season is love” and that we must be a blessing to others and to reflect God’s love by sharing and giving to others. “This is the only way we can put meaning to Christmas, for we can give without loving, but we can never love without giving. Indeed, it is not what we receive from others but what we give and do for them that will bring joy to us this season. It is only when we empty ourselves to others that we can approximate the love God has shown to us by the birth of His Son. So this Christmas, let us be generous and share our blessings with others,” he said.
A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr. D.D., who noted the Feast Day of St. Juan Diego as a fitting reference to simplicity and service, as St. Juan Diego dedicated his life in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe and took care of the pilgrims who came to see her shrine.
In keeping with the event’s theme “Sama-samang Ipagdiwang ang Pasko sa Makabagong Korte Suprema,” the Chief Justice also took the occasion to rally support for the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), which was launched last October 14.
The SPJI, the blueprint for judicial reforms, had since set into motion the Court’s plans for transformation with the roll out of the National Summit on Legal Aid and the National Summit on Clinical
Legal Education which were convened just days apart from each other. Chief Justice Gesmundo mentioned the ongoing Ethics Caravan for the Proposed Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) which had been well-received in the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Naga. The next leg of the Ethics Caravan will be held in Baguio City next year, and will culminate in the National Summit on Ethical Standards for Lawyers in February 2023.
“While we have made headway in our reform agenda, there is so much more that still need to be done,” the Chief said. “With a reform program fraught with many challenges, so must we continue, in all humility, to implore God’s help and guidance.”
He emphasized that the success of the Judiciary’s programs depends on all offices under its wings, “and in as much as Christmas is a time for family, a time to unite, let us unite and help one another in making SPJI a success. Without your support, our reforms will not last; they will not even take root.”
In closing, Chief Justice Gesmundo reached out to the Court personnel, “in the spirit of Christmas, to be active agents of reform, to see the good in our reforms, not just for ourselves, but more especially, for the public whom we serve. Let us accept these reforms and not be an obstacle to their success.”
Joining the Chief during the Christmas celebration were Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.
Also in attendance were Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez (ret.), Justice Sesinando Villon (ret.), and Justice Cielito Mindaro- Grulla (ret.) of the Judicial Integrity Board; Justice Jose Catral Mendoza (ret.) of the Judicial and Bar Council; Deputy Court Administrator (DCA) Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino; DCA Leo T. Madrazo; Assistant Court Administrator (ACA) Lilian C. Barribal-Co; ACA Maria Regina Adoracion Filomena M. Ignacio, Deputy Clerk of Court and Judicial Reform Program Administrator Atty. Laura C.H. del Rosario, Assistant Court Administrator and Public Information Chief Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka, and Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Maria Carina M. Cunanan. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)