Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has called on Rotarians to join the Judiciary’s efforts in making the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) come into fruition.
Speaking during the first day of the two-day Rotary District 3800 District Conference 2023, Chief Justice Gesmundo presented to the members of the Rotary Club the SPJI, the Court’s blueprint of action anchored on four guiding principles: Timely and Fair Justice, Transparent and Accountable Justice, Equal and Inclusive Justice, and Technologically Adaptive Management. These principles will guide the Court towards achieving three outcomes: Efficiency, Innovation, and Access.
“We encourage you, Rotary Club members, coming from diverse backgrounds and various disciplines, to assess the SPJI and—should you find our reform agenda true, fair, well-meaning, and constructive and beneficial to all—to join us in making our vision of a responsive, efficient,
and all-inclusive judicial system a reality,” said the Chief Justice. “Together, let us achieve our dream of a just, equitable, and peaceful society, and a better world for all.”
Acknowledging the important role that the Rotary Club has played in promoting peace and justice through its projects and activities, Chief Justice Gesmundo emphasized that with its members from diverse backgrounds sharing a common interest in advocating positive change and building strong communities, the Rotary Club has brought people together and created a space for dialogue and collaboration, fostering understanding and tolerance among individuals with different perspectives, experiences, and beliefs. It has provided a platform for people to exchange ideas, share stories, and work together towards a common goal.
Chief Justice Gesmundo shared with the Rotarians that the Court relied on the use of technology during the height of the pandemic “to be able to continue with the work of dispensing justice” and in line with its thrust towards a technology-driven Judiciary.
The Chief Justice likewise mentioned the SPJI’s thrust of inclusive justice, as demonstrated through recently concluded National Summit on Shari’ah: Forging the Role of Shari’ah in the National Legal Framework, held in Cagayan de Oro City on March 5-6, 2023. “For our Moslem brothers and sisters, we will strengthen the foundations of Shari’ah Justice through an institutional review of the Shari’ah legal education system and rules of court,” he said.
Underscoring that the SPJI is the Court’s contribution in bridging and building a progressive future not just for the judiciary but for the whole country, Chief Justice Gesmundo said: “By improving the judiciary’s ability to serve the public through increased efficiency, continuing innovation, and measures to ensure the accessibility of the courts to all, the judiciary will better realize its duty of dispensing justice and safeguarding human and constitutional rights. Through the SPJI, we hope that Filipinos from all sectors and all walks of life will be able to enjoy the full benefits of an effective and efficient judicial system, for long-lasting peace for all.”
From its official website (https://www.rotary.org/en), “Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem solvers who see a world where people united and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” It members believe in the shared responsibility to take action on the world’s most persistent issue and its over 46,000 clubs work together to, among others, promote peace, fight disease, support education, and protect the environment. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)