Chief Justice bestowed honorary doctorate degree

The University of Cebu (UC) School of Law bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo recently, recognizing his contributions to justice administration and legal education.

It was conferred during the school’s graduation ceremony at the Seda Ayala Center in Cebu Business Park.

The university cited Gesmundo as “an individual of integrity” who has excelled in access to justice, leadership, and the delivery of responsive and real-time justice.

In his address, Gesmundo urged graduates to lead with integrity, innovation, and inclusion as they enter the legal profession.

He acknowledged the growing role of technology in legal practice, while cautioning that innovation must be tempered by human judgment and conscience.

The Chief Justice called on new lawyers to challenge the status quo and support judicial reforms, referencing the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which seeks to address systemic issues in the judiciary.

He also stressed the importance of inclusion in the legal system, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Gesmundo pointed to the Unified Legal Aid Service, which requires lawyers to provide at least 60 hours of pro bono service to indigent clients, as a means to ensure access to justice.

The University of Cebu School of Law, established in 2002, ranked fifth among law schools with 51 to 100 candidates in the 2024 Bar Examinations, posting a passing rate of 74.32 percent.