Embrace reform programs, judges told

Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo met with trial court judges and employees in Dapa, discussing their needs and concerns and reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to their well-being.

Gesmundo emphasized their crucial role in the success of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the Supreme Court’s blueprint for judicial reforms.

“Without your active involvement and participation, these reforms will not endure; without your support, they may never even take root,” Gesmundo said as he urged them to act with urgency.

“We cannot afford to delay vital reforms to strengthen and modernize the Judiciary. In this time of unprecedented challenges and rapid technological advancements, we must enhance our institutional capacities and resources,” he added.

The meeting took place during the inauguration of the Hall of Justice (HoJ), led by Gesmundo and Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez.

The new HOJ will house two trial courts in Dapa: Branch 31, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Dapa, and the Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Dapa-Socorro.

The previous courthouses were damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021, necessitating relocation. Construction of the new HoJ in Barangay 2, Dapa, began after a groundbreaking ceremony on 28 November 2022.

Gesmundo commended the dedication and resilience of court employees who continued to uphold the highest standards of justice despite the difficulties and devastation caused by super typhoon "Odette."

“I have always been proud to share, despite the challenges of limited resources and office space, you have consistently upheld our standards in delivering justice. In this mission, your dedication has been unwavering,” Gesmundo said.

“The majesty of the Court lies in the integrity of our magistrates and the wisdom of their decisions, always mindful of the profound impact these decisions have, not only on the parties involved but on society and the country, in general,” he added.

Meantime, Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva signed the Deed of Usufruct, allowing the Municipality of Dapa to grant the Judiciary the right to occupy the building located on a 1,500-square-meter lot within the designated One-Stop Shop zone for government offices in Dapa.

The inauguration was also attended by Deputy Court Administrator Leo Tolentino Madrazo and Acting Presiding Judge Den Ryan Cagas of Branch 31, RTC.

They were joined by Surigao del Norte First District Representative Francisco Jose T. Matugas II, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, Dapa Mayor Abeth T. Matugas, and other local government officials.