Supreme Court Delivers REAL Justice in Tawi Tawi
February 29, 2024
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, along with Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, Jose Midas P. Marquez, Antonio T. Kho, Jr., and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva are welcomed by the local officials at the Boncao Hall to Justice at the launch the Remote Hearing and Equal Access to Law and Justice ( REAL Justice) program. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
In a historic move towards fostering inclusivity and innovation in the delivery of justice, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, under the leadership of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, inaugurated the Remote Hearing and Equal Access to Law and Justice (REAL Justice) program in Tawi-Tawi.
The event, held at the Hall of Justice Building in Bongao, was also attended by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, Jose Midas P. Marquez, Antonio T. Kho, Jr., and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva.
The REAL Justice program is an off shoot of the original Justice on Wheels (JOW) program started in 2004 wherein buses were retrofitted to serve as mobile complementary courts aimed at de-clogging court dockets. It was then re- launched in 2008 as the “Enhanced Justice on Wheels” program which offered mediation services and legal aid clinics for underprivileged litigants in remote areas. This saw various cases promulgated which led to the release of many persons deprived of liberty.
The program’s success, along with the technological advancements that have since become available, raised the need to improve the delivery of legal services for effective access to justice in an archipelago. This opened the door to consider other forms of transportation in reaching far-flung areas, such as speedboats and motorcycles, hence its apt acronym.
Senior Associate Justice Leonen broke down the REAL Justice program in three parts: First, the retrofitted buses will be put in areas in the territorial jurisdiction of judges which are difficult to reach. Second, alternative forms of transportation will be used to bring technology to far-flung areas otherwise inaccessible to buses. And third, use the buses to give bail during instances where the court is not in session so that those who are arrested would be able to post bail when necessary.
Chief Justice Gesmundo, who made history by being the first incumbent Chief Justice to visit Tawi-Tawi expressed gratitude for the collaboration with local government leaders and stakeholders in Tawi-Tawi, highlighting the importance of partnerships for the success of the REAL Justice Program. He underscored the significance of the initiative, stating that “real justice” means justice accessible in real-time, irrespective of geographical location.
Chief Justice Gesmundo expressed gratitude to those involved in making the event possible and called for continued support in fostering a judiciary that delivers “real justice in real time” across the entire archipelago.
For his part, Senior Associate Justice Leonen hailed the significance of the historic visit by the incumbent Chief Justice as symbolic of the fact that the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines is the Supreme Court of the entire Philippines, “even in the farthest, southernmost province of this country and also any other part in our archipelago.” (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Bongao Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Executive Judge Abdulmoin M. Pakam presides over hearing on a motion in a petition for the cancellation of a Marriage Certificate. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez observe the proceedings. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo made history as the first incumbent Chief Justice to visit Tawi-Tawi – a statement that symbolizes that the Supreme Court is for the entire country. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
“Together, let us cease the moment to recommit ourselves to the cause of social justice, resolute in our mission to ensure that the principle of fairness and equality resonate in every courtroom across our archipelago”, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen said at the launch of REAL Justice. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Technicians install the Starlink satellite to help ensure high-speed, low-latency internet for video conferencing of court proceedings in remote areas. (Photo Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)