Discipline in the judiciary, efficient justice system among Bersamin’s priorities

Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday said discipline, geared towards the efficient delivery of justice in the country, will be his top priority.

"The first priority that I have is to enforce discipline in the ranks of the judiciary, the rank-and-file, as well as the ranks of judges," Bersamin told ANC.

"This will address the concerns of our people who are complaining that the delivery of justice has suffered through all these years," he added.

In light of promoting judicial independence, Bersamin said that there was a need to produce more independent-minded judges by improving the training programs of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

He said he would try to boost the morale of the rank-and-file employees by reaching out to them, adding that it was "high time to remind them" about their obligations to serve the people.

Bersamin said reforming the procedural rules was also among his priorities.

Asked whether the high tribunal would exercise judicial activism or restraint in dealing with the executive and legislative branches of the government, Bersamin said each of the 15 magistrates in the Supreme Court thought independently.

"All cases are to be deliberated whether they are of the highest importance to the country or only to a few of our countrymen. The Supreme Court assures everyone that we will give these cases fullest attention and even-handed justice," Bersamin said.

Bersamin will be the Chief Justice for 11 months until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on October 18 next year. —NB, GMA News