Gesmundo to IBP: Help restore people’s faith in judicial system

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has appealed to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to help in efforts to increase public confidence in the country’s judicial system.

Speaking at the oath-taking of new IBP officers on Tuesday, Gesmundo said the SC “has been relentless” in looking for solutions to the problems afflicting the judicial system and had come up with rules aimed at protecting individual rights and dispensing justice swiftly.

Gesmundo cited the plan to install an E-Court System that would enhance workflow processes from the filing of cases to the promulgation and execution of decisions.

“Perhaps it is time for the IBP to refocus its advocacy through social media and other platforms, [and] help restore the faith of our people in the judicial system by raising their awareness and understanding of our legal processes,” he said.

“It is your duty, as vanguards of our legal system, to support the Court in its programs so we can achieve a full and popular adherence to the rule of law in our country.”

Gesmundo, meanwhile, once again commented on the rise of public service programs where people seek instant justice.

“Some commentators take this as an indictment on our judicial system. While I try to see it as something generally positive, I cannot but be a little concerned [about] the growing attitude of our people in seeking redress on a platform with no established rules to protect the rights of persons involved,” he said.

The top magistrate earlier said that he respects the choice of some people turning to media programs to address their grievances, but there might be issues with regard to the dignity of persons and lack of judicial process.

He also admitted last month that the wheels of justice in the country turn slowly.

“Admittedly judicial processes are quite long, but this is what is required under the Constitution. We have procedural rules if you go to court so that justice can be administered in an orderly manner,” he said at a news conference on June 11.—AOL, GMA News