Chief Justice Tells Judges to Focus on Deciding Cases; Be Mindful You Are Judiciary's Frontliners
February 18, 2022
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo today encouraged all judges to focus on adjudication and ensure that those transacting with the courts are satisfied as he reminded them that they, as frontliners, are “a reflection of the Judiciary.”
Speaking during the hybrid oath-taking ceremony of the 2022-2023 national officers and regional directors of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA), the Chief Justice noted the importance of keeping up with the times and how technology plays an integral part in the dispensation of justice, emphasizing its importance on the duty of judges to decide a case.
Since his appointment as Chief Justice in April 2021, Chief Justice Gesmundo has prioritized the need for technology-driven court processes.
“You must have heard that the Supreme Court is focused on introducing innovations, how we conduct our business as a Court, through focusing on technology. So we hope that we can start putting things in proper places. We might say that the ambition of the Court is hard to reach but if we decide and we have the will, we can do it,” he said. He added: “Technology is very important…With your support, we will be able to achieve these innovations that we want to introduce.”
Likewise, the Chief Justice reminded the judges that equally important is the fact that trial court judges are the frontliners of the Judiciary.
“As frontliners, ideally and under normal circumstances, you are the first contact persons of the litigants especially the first level courts. For that reason we must assure that people transacting with the court involving cases must be satisfied the way you are doing things at the trial court. Because if they are frustrated, it reflects on the entire Judiciary,” stressed Chief Justice Gesmundo.
Chief Justice Gesmundo encouraged the members of the PJA and other judges to support all the judicial reforms of the Court, as he acknowledged that they “play an important role in the entire scheme of the Judiciary.” The PJA is the only association of Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges that is duly recognized by the Supreme Court. It aims to unite all judges of the RTCs, Sharia District Courts, and all such other courts of equal or similar jurisdictions; preserve and maintain the integrity and independence of the Judiciary by ensuring an efficient and speedy dispensation of justice under the rule of law; and foster a more fraternal relationship among its members by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding among them. ###