Justice Javier on Sandiganbayan’s 45th Anniversary: “Stay true to your ‘reason for being.’”
June 16, 2023
“Nang nilikha ang inyong tanggapan, inilagak ng bawat isang Pilipino ang kanilang buong tiwala sa iisang Sadiganbayan upan magsilbing kalasag at tabak sa kanila. As we commemorate 45 years of existence and the many achievements you have gained, may you stay true to this one purpose, your so-called ‘reason for being,’” said Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier in her message as Guest of Honor during the Sandiganbayan’s 45th Anniversary celebration held on June 15, 2023 at the Manila Hotel. The theme of this year’s anniversary is “Pag-ibig sa bayan, hindi mapapantayan, pagkakaisa’y tatag ng Sandiganbayan.”
Justice Javier emphasized the importance of unity among all Sandiganbayan Justices and employees. She said: “[L]agi ninyo sanang alalahanin na ang bawat isa sa inyo ay bahagi ng iisang tanggapan. Upang tunay na makapaghatid ng katarungan, hindi lamang kailangan ang pagkaka-isa ng mga mahistrado at abogado ngunit maging ang maraming mga empleyado na tumutulong mapadali ang kalakaran sa inyong institusyon.”
Justice Javier also spoke about her recent experience at the 2023 International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Biennial Conference. She and Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh clinched the two top votes for two elective positions in the IAWJ having been elected as IAWJ Vice President and Pacific Regional Director, respectively. Justice Javier shared that their election to IAWJ posts gives the Judiciary “this great privilege and duty: to fully utilize this international platform to share the best practices we have in the Philippines to the rest of the world.”
She concluded her message by expressing the Supreme Court’s gratitude for the Sandiganbayan’s continued support for the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). “[W]ithout your tireless and ardent service and support, Chief Justice [Alexander G.] Gesmundo and the Court will be greatly impaired in their mission under the SPJI. May your 45 years of sterling and excellent service not remain to be a mere legacy but inspire you further to continue being a gift to the Filipino people through your selfless and devoted service,” she said. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)