Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo (fourth from left) was paid a courtesy call by officials from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)-Anti-Corruption Programme, Mr. Francesco Checchi (second from right), Regional Head of Anti- Corruption for Southeast Asia, and Atty. Kirbee Tibayan (rightmost), Country Head, on April 20, 2023 at the En Banc Conference Room of the Supreme Court in Ermita, Manila.
Joining them were (from left) Atty. Antonio Andre D. Calizo, Court Attorney VI, SC Program Management Office (PMO); Engr. Nestor U. Venturillo, Deputy Judicial Reform Program Administrator, PMO; and Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila, Judicial Staff Head, Office of Chief Justice Gesmundo.
During the meeting, Chief Justice Gesmundo gave a brief overview of the Court’s blueprint for reform, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). He specifically mentioned the Court’s plan to revise the Code of Judicial Conduct, saying that a committee headed by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh will review the current Code and propose revisions which are adjusted according to the present situations, including the use of social platforms by members of the Judiciary. He added that the Court hopes to conduct regional consultations with stakeholders and organize a national summit for the same.
The Chief Justice also emphasized that members of the Judiciary are unique among all civil servants, as the Constitution requires them to possess and observe the virtues of competence, integrity, probity, and independence.
He cited the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB), created to prevent corruption and strengthen integrity in the Judiciary. He added that the Court immediately addresses all complaints and allegations received by the JIB, including anonymous ones.
On the part of the UNODC, Mr. Checchi expressed support for the Court’s programs and stated that they would be glad to serve as one of the Court’s development partners and provide assistance for the revision of the Code. He added that the UNODC also hopes to help raise awareness and general understanding of the Court’s initiatives among the members of the business community. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)