Chief Justice Gesmundo: Christmas is a Time for Reflection
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo delivers his message during the Christmas celebration of the Supreme Court on December 7, 2023 at the SC Old Building Quadrangle in Padre Faura, Manila. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Tech the Halls: Celebrating Justice and Innovation this Christmas.” (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo yesterday reminded Court officials and employees to contemplate on their higher calling and fulfill their mission “as stewards of justice and guardians of the rule of law” amid the festivities this Christmas season.
In his message during the Christmas celebration of the Supreme Court on December 7, 2023 at the SC Old Building Quadrangle in Padre Faura, Manila, Chief Justice Gesmundo underscored, “This gathering is not just a testament to the joyous spirit of Christmas but also a reflection of our exuberant commitment to the noble pursuit of justice through innovation.”
Focusing on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Tech the Halls: Celebrating Justice and Innovation this Christmas,” the chief magistrate highlighted the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) and stated that through the use of technology and innovation, we can transform our judicial system “to ensure that justice is not just a concept, but a tangible reality for our people.”
In closing, he urged everyone to reflect and continue working together “towards a just and innovative future.”
Per tradition, this year’s celebration kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D.
The program included awarding ceremonies for the winners of the SC Sportsfest and awarding of SC Model Employees, as well as activities such as raffle, a Christmas card design contest, and a singing contest. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo (third from right) and Supreme Court Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting (second from right) pose for posterity with His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D., Archbishop of Manila, after the Thanksgiving Mass offered during the Supreme Court Christmas celebration on December 7, 2023 at the SC Old Building Quadrangle in Padre Faura, Manila. Joining them are (from left) Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Research, Publications and Linkages Office Chief Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) Regular Member representing the Academe Atty. Nesauro H. Firme, Judicial Integrity Board Third Member CTA Justice Cielito N. Mindaro-Grulla (Ret.), PHILJA Vice-Chancellor SC Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo (Ret.), JIB Acting Chairperson SC Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez (Ret.), and JBC Regular Member representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines CTA Justice Erlinda Piñera Uy (Ret.). (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo signs basketball and volleyball balls to be given to the winners of the Supreme Court Sportsfest during an awarding ceremony at the Christmas celebration of the SC on December 7, 2023 at the Old Building Quadrangle in Padre Faura, Manila. Also in the photo are Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)