“Justice is not merely about systems and procedures but first and foremost it is about people,” Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo told officials and employees of the judiciary.

In his message during the Christmas celebration of the Supreme Court on Friday, Gesmundo urged the members of the judiciary to “continue to render justice to those who seek refuge from our courts.”

Gesmundo emphasized that “justice is not merely about mechanically applying laws to a given set of facts — it requires passion, focus, and a strong sense of purpose.”

This year’s celebration theme was “HustiSaya! PaskoNek na sa Korte Suprema.”

The Chief Justice told SC officials and employees that their work “is no ordinary labor.”

He said every member of the judiciary, regardless of their role, plays an irreplaceable part in ensuring that the wheels of justice continue to turn steadily.

“Our strength lies not in the singular efforts of one person but in our collective desire to genuinely serve others. And it is only through the unity of our purpose and actions that we can fulfill our mandate,” Gesmundo said.

Likewise, the Chief Justice said: “Today, we take a pause from our demanding schedules and take time to rediscover the joy of what we do and who we are, both as stewards of the rule of law and as beloved mothers, fathers, siblings and friends.

“At its core, our festivities today should call us back to one of the most profound truths in the Bible: the gift of love and light given to us by the Lord, through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.”

“In turn, Christmas should also be a living invitation to us to reflect on how we bring grace and truth into the lives of others. As we continue with our work, we are somehow, like the shepherds, called to care for those entrusted to us and to guide those who seek the rightful path to justice.”