SC: Judges Are Judiciary’s Frontline Soldiers, Real Heroes
September 15, 2023
The Supreme Court paid tribute to trial court judges by calling them “frontline soldiers” and “real heroes” of the Judiciary.
“We are a Court that listens; we are a Court that acts,” emphasized Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh as keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual Convention of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) on September 15, 2023 at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Recognizing the tremendous efforts of judges despite the numerous challenges faced by first-level courts, Justice Singh expressed appreciation to them on behalf of the Court for their outstanding performance, citing improved trends in clearance rates, case disposal, and release of qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
“I always say this and I will continue to say it, our judges are the real heroes of the Judiciary. I know how much you all sacrifice for the sake of our courts. The life of a trial court judge is not easy, you risk not only your life and limb, but those of your family and loved ones, just to fulfill your mandate. You all serve beyond the call of duty,” said Justice Singh. She assured them that “the Supreme Court is with you every step of the way.”
Justice Singh also discussed the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations for 2022-2027 (SPJI) as she rallied judges to explore the potentials of technology “to bolster efficiency, access to justice, accountability, and transparency of the courts.”
For his part, SC Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, in his inspirational message, expressed his gratitude to the trial court judges by saying that they “are the frontline soldiers in the fight for a more efficient and effective Judiciary.”
Justice Gaerlan also commended the judges for fully embracing changes and taking proactive roles in adapting to the modernization of systems and streamlining of processes under the SPJI.
He stressed that “technology, no matter how advanced, can never mimic what you, as judges, can do – exercise discretion, show consideration, and demonstrate compassion.”
He, however, cautioned them they should not be controlled by technology nor act like robots and reminded them not to forget that they “are dealing with people who have rights, freedoms, relationships, and feelings.”
The theme of this year’s convention is “Judges at the Technological Frontier: Embracing Changes in the Delivery of Justice.” (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh delivers the keynote speech on behalf of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo at the 23rd Annual Convention of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. on September 15, 2023 at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Mabalacat, Pampanga. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan delivers an inspirational message at the 23rd Annual Convention of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. on September 15, 2023 at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Mabalacat, Pampanga. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
