Philippine Supreme Court Justices embark on a historic visit to the Supreme Court of Spain
January 17, 2024
Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justices (from left) Mario V. Lopez, Rodil V. Zalameda, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Samuel H. Gaerlan, and Jose Midas P. Marquez pose for posterity with Supreme Court of Spain President Francisco Marín Castán (center) during a courtesy visit to the Supreme Court of Spain on January 12, 2024 at the Tribunal Supremo Rotonda 1a Planta in Madrid, Spain. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court of Spain)
The Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, led by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, paid a courtesy call on the Supreme Court of Spain on January 12, 2024 at the Tribunal Supremo Rotonda 1a Planta in Madrid, Spain.
In his message delivered during the visit, Justice Caguioa expressed his appreciation to the Supreme Court of Spain on behalf of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo for welcoming the Philippine delegation. He highlighted that the visit “marks a significant moment of exchange and collaboration between the judicial branches of two nations bound by a shared commitment to the principles of justice, rule of law, and the promotion of a fair and equitable legal system.”
Given the intertwined history, Justice Caguioa also acknowledged the influence of Spain in shaping the legal system of the Philippines. He underscored that the Philippine civil and penal codes are, to a certain degree, imbued with the principles, doctrines and judicial interpretations originating from the Tribunal Supremo, which are even cited in some Philippine Supreme Court Decisions for their persuasive value.
Looking forward to an exchange of ideas on further improving the judicial systems of the two countries, Justice Caguioa introduced the Court’s blueprint for judicial reform, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). He emphasized the Court’s commitment to implementing more efficient and technologically advanced methods in case processing. This initiative aims to improve the overall efficiency of court services, minimize delays in case resolution, and foster increased collaboration throughout the entire justice system.
In closing, Justice Caguioa said he hopes the visit will not only be a symbolic gesture of goodwill but will also be a tangible step towards a more profound and lasting partnership between the Supreme Court of Spain and the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
For his part, Supreme Court of Spain President Francisco Marín Castán relayed his warm appreciation to the Philippine Supreme Court Justices and the rest of the delegates for their courtesy visit. He also stated that he is looking forward to enhancing the judicial cooperation between the two nations that have a common history. He added that the Spanish Supreme Court also recognizes the similarities between our legal systems and the fact that some notable Spanish commentators, such as his ancestor Castán, are mentioned in Philippine jurisprudence.
The visit included a presentation of the functions of the Supreme Court of Spain and its Technical Cabinet; meeting with lawyers from the chambers of the Technical Office; and a guided tour of the Tribunal Supremo.
The Supreme Court of Spain is based in Madrid and is the sole judiciary body in Spain with jurisdiction throughout the nation, being the highest court in all legal fields (civil, criminal, contentious-administrative and labor), except with regards to issues of constitutional guarantees and rights. Also, the Supreme Court of Spain is the pinnacle of the appeals system and is ultimately responsible for the uniform interpretation of jurisprudence in Spain.[1]
Other delegates from the Philippines were Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, Chief, Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Research, Publication and Linkages Office; Dean Emerito I. Enginco, Chief, PHILJA Academic Affairs Office; Prof. José Manuel de Torres Perea; and court attorneys from the Supreme Court of the Philippines. They were joined by H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines and Consul Monika Kamille B. Limpo, Philippine Embassy in Madrid – First Secretary . (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
[1] What is the Supreme Court? Poder Judicial España https://www.poderjudicial.es/cgpj/en/Judiciary/Supreme-Court/Institutional-information/What-is-the-Supreme-Court-/ [last accessed: January 17, 2024]
Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justices (from left) Jose Midas P. Marquez, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Rodil V. Zalameda, and Mario V. Lopez pose for posterity during a courtesy call to the Supreme Court of Spain on January 12, 2024 at the Tribunal Supremo Rotonda 1a Planta in Madrid, Spain. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court of Spain)
(from left to right) Philippine Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, Consul Monika Kamille B. Limpo, Philippine Embassy in Madrid – First Secretary, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines, Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, and Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez pose for posterity with Supreme Court of Spain President Francisco Marín Castán (center) during a courtesy visit to the Supreme Court of Spain on January 12, 2024 at the Tribunal Supremo Rotonda 1a Planta in Madrid, Spain. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court of Spain)