Chief Justice Gesmundo Highlights Judiciary’s Role in Economic Growth and Stability
August 12, 2022
“While it is the executive department which is actively involved in maintaining economic security through the programs it undertakes, and the legislative department, in building economic prosperity through the laws it enacts, the Judiciary, passive though it may seem, is equally responsible for the development of the economy through the decisions it renders. By consistently balancing individual rights and freedoms with legitimate government interests, the Judiciary actually provides a stable environment for peace and order and economic growth.”
This was underscored by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo when he spoke as guest of honor at the virtual annual awards ceremony of the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity (FLP) held on Thursday, August 11, 2022.
“This judicial philosophy espoused by The Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity is an affirmation of the role the Judiciary plays in the country’s development. By safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the individual, the Judiciary allows our country to prosper, and in nurturing economic prosperity, rights will also be securely protected. Indeed, it is a symbiotic relationship, safeguarding rights go hand in hand with nurturing prosperity,” said Chief Justice as he highlighted the contributions of the Judiciary to the nation.
The Chief Justice likewise underscored the importance of legal scholarship as he congratulated all the awardees. He said that the work of a lawyer, whether one is a practitioner or a magistrate, “plays a role in influencing the course of future actions. Judicial discourse has the power to not only comfort but also provoke an individual to action, not only to appease but also incite a whole nation.” He added that more than intelligence, character and integrity are equally important.
Founded by retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, the FLP awarded 21 scholarships to deserving students of their respective batches under the Legal Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2021-2022. Supported by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., Ayala Corporation, and the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, the FLP also selected 10 winners of its dissertation writing contest and five “Esmel” fellows taking Master of Business Administration or MBA (or equivalent) major in entrepreneurship, sustainability, management, economics, or business law (Esmel).
The awardees were selected by the FLP Board of Judges. Chief Justice Gesmundo chaired the Legal Scholarship Program Board of Judges; SC Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando led the Dissertation Writing Contest Board of Judges; while former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. chaired the “Esmel” Fellowships Board of Judges.
Acting FLP President Retired Supreme Court Justice Angelina Sandoval Gutierrez, who is also the incumbent Vice-Chair of the Judicial Integrity Board, also joined the virtual event. (Courtesy of the SC Public Information Office)