CJ Peralta hopeful judicial reforms will prosper in 2020

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta is positive that his initiatives to improve the judicial system in the Philippines will receive stronger support as a new decade opens in 2020.

"Since I took over the helm of the judiciary two months ago as its 26th Chief Justice, I cannot help but feel encouraged and hopeful that the reforms I have presented for the judiciary will soon gain traction in the new year to come," Peralta said in a statement on Tuesday, New Year's Eve.

"These reforms are geared towards providing swift, efficient, fair, and responsive justice for all Filipinos regardless of stature."

Peralta — appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last October — called for the support of Filipinos so that efforts for the improvement of the judiciary system may succeed.

He added that he is also one with the people in praying for a brighter and better country which is "governed peacefully under the rule of law."

Elimination of case backlog, improvement of judges' security, establishment of a 24/7 help desk for court users, and automation of court processes were among Peralta's agenda as chief magistrate. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News