Daily Tribune
Supreme Court Associate Justices (from left) Raul B. Villanueva, Rodil Zalameda, and Jose Midas P. Marquez at the High Court of Australia, Canberra, during a Counter-Terrorism Learning Exchange on 6 August 2025. The week-long learning exchange is part of the SC's ongoing efforts to enhance the Philippines' legal mechanism for counter terrorism. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo)
Three Supreme Court Associate Justices spearheaded the delegation on a counter-terrorism learning exchange that took place in Australia from 2 to 9 August 2025.
The delegation was led by Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Raul B. Villanueva, and was joined by officials from the SC Office of the Judiciary Marshals, the Philippine Judicial Academy, judges of designated anti-terrorism courts, and SC lawyers.
The week-long learning exchange gave the Philippine delegation an in-depth look at how Australia’s leading government agencies and courts handle criminal justice and national security matters.
Likewise, it provided opportunities to learn about Australia’s processes for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating terrorism cases, while also strengthening institutional ties between both countries.
The delegation in Canberra learned about Australia’s criminal justice system and national security laws. Dr. Dominique Dalla-Pozza from the Australian National University (ANU) Law School was among the lecturers who introduced the delegation to the country’s legal framework. They also met with academics from ANU’s Security College and Philippines Institute, the Australian Federal Police, and the National Judicial College of Australia at the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory.
They held meetings with the Attorney-General’s Department and the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor to discuss Australia’s counter-terrorism legislative laws, the handling of classified material and intelligence, and how Australia reviews the operation and effectiveness of its national security legislation.
Senior members of the Philippine delegation met at the High Court of Australia (HCA) with Chief Justice Stephen Gageler and other justices, further strengthening ties between the two countries’ highest courts. Meanwhile, representatives from the Office of the Judiciary Marshals and other SC officials met with their Australian counterparts at the HCA Court Marshals to discuss court security and operations.
