SC Inaugurates New Antipolo Hall of Justice
March 1, 2024
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo cuts the ceremonial ribbon with Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, III and Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, and assisted by Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda and Jhosep Y. Lopez, Vice-Mayor Josefina Gatlabaya, and Vice-Governor Reynaldo San Juan, Jr.. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
“As another structure rises to highlight the stature of Antipolo City as a government center, may we be reminded of our shared commitment to provide greater efficiency and better service to our people”, said Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as he formally inaugurated the new Antipolo Hall of Justice in Antipolo City, Rizal on March 1, 2024, the 10th under his watch.
He was assisted by Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro Ynares, III and Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, and with him were Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.
The new Antipolo Hall of Justice serves as a testament to intergovernmental cooperation among three institutions- the Rizal Provincial Government, the Antipolo City Government, and the Philippine Supreme Court.
The Rizal Provincial Government, then under Governor Rebecca Ynares, funded the construction of the building, while the Antipolo City Government, then under Mayor Andrea Ynares, provided the 3,282 square meter lot at this Government Center.
Through a Memorandum of Agreement signed early this year, the Philippine Supreme Court was granted usufructuary rights over the lot and building for fifty years.
In accepting the keys to the new Antipolo Hall of Justice from Governor Nina Ricci Ynares and Mayor Casimiro Ynares, III, Chief Justice Gesmundo said that this project is “really for the people of Antipolo City and the Province of Rizal. More than just a building, this Hall of Justice promises to offer solace and comfort to those who want to seek redress through our judicial system.”
For the first time, the new Antipolo Hall of Justice will house in one roof RTC courts and MTCC courts, as well as the RTC and MTCC Offices of the Clerk of Court. The spacious three-story structure also has ample space for the Office of the City Prosecutor, Parole and Probation Office, Philippine Mediation Office, and Public Attorney’s Office, including a Public Consultation Area.
Addressing the Court personnel of Antipolo, the Chief Justice rallied them to be stakeholders in the Judicial reforms embodied in the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027, reminding them that just as their interests were critical considerations in the design of these reforms, they have become important partners in their implementation. “Without your active involvement and participation, the reforms we are pushing for will not last; without your help, they will not even take root”.
After the event, Chief Justice Gesmundo and the Associate Justices met with the Judges for an informal dialogue moderated by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Rev. Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino, Rector of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, officiates the blessing of the new Antipolo Hall of Justice as Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez and Rodil V. Zalameda, Mayor Casimiro Ynares, III, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, and Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao light their candles. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
“More than just a building, this Hall of Justice promises to offer solace and comfort to those who want to seek redress through our judicial system,” said Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as he addressed the court officials and personnel. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro Ynares, III and Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares present Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo with a Key to the City, as Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva pose for posterity. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda made their way around the spacious new Antipolo Hall of Justice during its blessing and inauguration. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez, Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, and Jose Midas P. Marquez gamely answered questions in an informal dialogue with Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva as moderator. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)