Nine justices, led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, attended the sellout “Judiciary Night” of the Manila Overseas Press Club, which I chair, Aug. 7 at Fairmont Makati’s ballroom.
Lending additional gravitas were the First Lady, Louise Araneta Marcos (the country’s first First Lady lawyer); the secretary of justice, Fredderick A. Vida, the chief of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, lawyer Ernest Perez (who has Cabinet rank) and the director of the National Bureau of Investigation, lawyer Melvyn Matibag.
Chief Gesmundo, First Lady Liza, Secretaries Vida and Perez and NBI chief Matibag have one thing in common – all are Ateneo Law graduates.
The Supreme Court has six justices from Ateneo Law – Chief Justice Alex, and justices Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Rodil Zalameda, Ricky Rosario, Midas Marquez and Monette Singh. The Judiciary Night became a sort of an Ateneo Law homecoming with the presence of four jurists – Chief Justice Gesmundo and justices Zalameda, Rosario, Marquez and Singh. The other justices who were present: Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen (UP), Justice Ramon Paul Hernando (San Beda) and Justice Raul Villanueva (UP). Leonen saved VP Sara Duterte in her first impeachment. He enjoyed a hearty conversation with LAM.
Also present: Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez, legal luminary Lorna Kapunan, (UP Law), one of our best women lawyers, of the impeachment prosecution panel; Atty. Benjamin S. Tolosa Jr., the ever articulate, no non-sense spokesman of the impeachment prosecution panel; as well as top lawyers who are at heart pro-Duterte.
Among the blue chip firms present: Divina Law (three tables); Syguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako; Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra & Damaso; M. M. Lazaro & Associates, Atty. Perry Pe of Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & delos Angeles; Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, as well as SM Investments Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. with their top lawyers.
Chief Justice Gesmundo had an inspiring presentation on how the Supreme Court, under his leadership, is modernizing the judiciary to speed up delivery of justice, ease access of the less fortunate to justice and prepare the judiciary for the demands of the 21st century amid the advent of AI, the explosion of space in social media and increasingly demanding needs for justice.
Listening to the Chief Justice, First Lady Liza said in her Facebook: “It was a meaningful reminder that justice is a responsibility we share. As our justice system continues to evolve, may it always remain close to the people it serves – accessible and guided by fairness.”
Of the Judiciary Night, the First Lady gushed: “Evenings like this remind me that when good people come together with a shared purpose, we move one step closer to building a more just and compassionate nation.”
That is Ma’am Liza and the Ateneo training in her. At Ateneo, the mantra is service to others. I should know that. My daughter, Ivy Lopez Cabaltica and her husband, Benedict, also a CPA, are both Ateneo Law. After passing the Bar, their first jobs were pro-bono, as human rights lawyers.
“Although the judiciary and the media perform distinct functions, both rely on the confidence that comes from faithfully fulfilling their respective responsibilities,” said Chief Justice Gesmundo in his speech. Excerpts:
“The judiciary earns that confidence through the fair and impartial administration of justice; the media earns it through responsible journalism and fidelity to truth. Together, they contribute to strengthening public understanding of principles and confidence in institutions that uphold the rule of law,” he explained.
“This shared commitment makes gatherings such as Judiciary Night particularly meaningful. This year is likewise significant for the judiciary as the Supreme Court marks its 125th anniversary.”
For 125 years, “the Court has served as the guardian of the Constitution, the protector of rights and liberties and the final arbiter of legal disputes affecting our nation. Through periods of transformation, uncertainty and challenge, the Court has remained committed to preserving the constitutional order and the rule of law. But the enduring value of an institution is reflected not only in the legacy it inherits, but also in its capacity for renewal.
“Renewal means safeguarding judicial independence while continuously improving the administration of justice.
“It means ensuring that courts remain not only independent, but also efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.
“The Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, or the SPJI, was developed from a simple but important recognition that an institution entrusted with constitutional responsibilities must continually examine how it can better fulfill its constitutional mission.
“Today, the SPJI serves as the framework guiding the judiciary’s continuing efforts toward institutional improvement.
“It has provided direction for reforms designed to strengthen judicial integrity, enhance court efficiency, expand access to justice and modernize the delivery of judicial services.
“These reforms are not undertaken for institutional advancement alone. Their purpose is to ensure that the justice system remains responsive to the needs and realities of the Filipino people.
“At the foundation of these efforts is integrity. The legitimacy of judicial authority depends upon the belief that those who administer justice do so according to the highest ethical standards.
“The judiciary has continued to strengthen the mechanisms that promote accountability and professionalism throughout the justice system.
“We adopted the Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Employees, recognizing that the delivery of justice depends not only on the decisions issued by judges, but also on the dedication, professionalism and ethical conduct of every person who forms part of the judiciary.
“Every employee who assists a litigant, processes a document, manages a record or performs a court function contributes to the public’s experience of justice.
“The dignity and credibility of the judiciary are preserved not only in the courtroom, but also in every act of service performed in the name of justice.
“Integrity, while indispensable, must be accompanied by competence.
“Justice delayed is not merely an administrative difficulty; it affects lives, families, livelihoods and fundamental rights.”
* * *
Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com