“[S]heriffs matter not just to our courts; sheriffs matter to the success of the [Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027] SPJI as well. Nasa kamay ninyo ang kakayahang bigyang buhay ang hustisya—at kasama din nito ang kakayahang gawing mas maliksi, mas makabago, at mas madaling maabot ang ating hudikatura.”
This was underscored by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as he acknowledged the challenging and exacting work of court sheriffs in his message at the 2nd day of the 21st Sheriffs’ Confederation of the Philippines (SCOPHIL) National Convention and Election of Officers held in General Santos City on May 24-26, 2023.
Speaking before over 800 sheriffs from various government agencies across the country, Chief Justice Gesmundo said that the Convention’s theme, “Sheriffs Matter” is on point. “Indeed, without sheriffs, we would have no one to rely on to serve summons, to execute writs, to implement court orders, or to enforce judgments. Sheriffs matter—for without them, even the wisest decisions of our courts would ultimately be nothing but ink and paper,” said the Chief Justice as he reminded sheriffs to discharge this duty with due care and utmost diligence.
Chief Justice Gesmundo also acknowledged the challenges that sheriffs are facing and how, in response, the Judiciary is focused on empowering sheriffs, and all court personnel, by giving them the tools they need “not only to function, but to excel to deliver the kind of justice our people deserve.” This, added the Chief Justice, is precisely what the Supreme Court hopes to achieve under the SPJI.
The Chief Justice also shared and discussed the target outcomes of the SPJI which are Efficiency, Innovation, and Access.
“I have been going around with the Associate Justices of the Court to share our vision of reform and to win the support of critical stakeholders such as yourselves. And we are aware that there are apprehensions from those who encounter the words reorganization, digitization, and automation, and hear downsizing and layoffs. Again, let me be clear: when we talk of pushing the judiciary forward through innovation, we mean exactly that—to propel the judiciary, in its entirety, forward. That means bringing everyone, including our court sheriffs, in tow. Sa maikling salita: sa SPJI, sisiguruhin nating walang mapag-iiwanan,” stressed the Chief Justice.
He added that with all this talk of technology, it could be all too easy to miss that these reforms are as much for everyone in the Judiciary as they are for the public. “We are not pursuing innovation for innovation’s sake: through digitization and automation, we will be able to unleash our potential and upgrade our skills for more meaningful work. As we reorganize our systems and transform our processes, we are freed from the shackles of bureaucracy that limit our productivity, and we are empowered to lead happier and healthier lives,” said the Chief Justice.
Also present at the Convention were Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, Deputy Court Administrator Leo T. Madrazo, and Assistant Court Administrator Maria Regina Adoracion Filomena M. Ignacio. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)