Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo delivers the keynote address at the culminating ceremony of the 2024 Biennial General Assembly of the First Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FLECCAP) on November 22, 2024, at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)
Digitalization has reached the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo underscored the importance of embracing innovation and adapting to new realities to enhance the administration of justice.
“We must adapt our mindset to new realities and optimize technologies to improve the administration of justice,” said the Chief Justice during his keynote address at the 2024 Biennial General Assembly of the First Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FLECCAP).
The event, themed “FLECCAP’s Journey towards Transparency and Accountability through Constitutional Change,” took place on November 21-22, 2024, at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City.
Gesmundo expressed pride in FLECCAP’s commitment to aligning its initiatives with the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027
(SPJI), the Supreme Court’s roadmap for judicial reform. He commended the organization’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in its processes, noting their importance in upholding the same values in first-level courts nationwide.
“We welcome your internal reform initiative, in parallel to our broader strategic plan for the judiciary, because we believe that in undertaking this journey, FLECCAP and its membership will be better positioned to ensure that transparency and accountability in turn, also define the work of our first level courts across the nation,” he remarked.
Gesmundo outlined the Supreme Court’s efforts under the SPJI to improve employee welfare and systemic processes, including procuring a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan with mental health coverage for the entire Judiciary.
In addition, the SPJI has outlined the establishment of Mental Health Units at different court levels; the establishment of the Philippine Judiciary Online Learning Platform through the Philippine Judicial Academy, which serves as a learning resource for members of the Judiciary; the creation and implementation of the Office of the Regional Court Manager in six pilot areas to address administrative concerns in courts; and the review of the Shari’ah justice system, among others.
The Chief Justice emphasized the critical role court clerks play as “the hub of adjudicative and administrative activities in our courts.” He noted that court clerks directly interact with the public and various stakeholders, serving as key facilitators in the justice system.
Gesmundo closed his address by urging court clerks to support and sustain the Judiciary’s reform initiatives. “That way, we will ensure transparency and accountability not just in your association but in our courts, our judiciary, and our nation,” he concluded, wishing them a fruitful event.