MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo highlighted reforms to strengthen judicial independence, improve court efficiency, and expand public access to justice as the Supreme Court marked its 125th anniversary.
Speaking before members of the Manila Overseas Press Club during the annual Judiciary Night in Makati City on Friday, Gesmundo said the judicial branch continues to pursue institutional reforms under its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022–2027 to make courts more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.
"The enduring value of an institution is reflected not only in the legacy it inherits, but also in its capacity for renewal," according to the chief magistrate as he stressed that judicial renewal means safeguarding judicial independence while continuously improving the administration of justice.
He stressed that the judiciary has strengthened accountability by adopting the Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability and the Code of Conduct and Accountability for Court Officials and Employees, emphasizing that public confidence depends not only on judges' decisions but also on the professionalism and ethical conduct of all court personnel.
He also cited the enactment of Republic Act 12233 or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act of 2025, describing it as a landmark measure that reinforces judicial independence by ensuring the resources needed for courts to carry out their constitutional mandate.
The high court’s chief thanked the executive and legislative branches for supporting the measure, saying it provides a stronger foundation for long-term reforms, improved court administration, and better delivery of justice nationwide.
Among the reforms he highlighted were the creation of the Office of the Regional Court Manager to strengthen administrative support for trial courts and the Office of the Judicial Marshals to enhance the security of judges, court personnel, court users, and judicial facilities.
He likewise cited the judiciary's digital transformation initiatives, including eCourt PH 2.0, electronic filing and records management, and Scriptix, an artificial intelligence-assisted transcription software that reduces the preparation of court transcripts from weeks to days.
Moreover, Gesmundo said the Rules on Electronic Notarization would soon allow digital documents to be notarized electronically anywhere in the country while the Philippine Reports E-Books on the Supreme Court E-Library provide wider public access to the Court's decisions.
Technology should complement, not replace, human judgment in the administration of justice, he emphasized.
"Technology, however, is not the destination. It is a means to serve a greater purpose," he said, adding that courts must continue to resolve disputes with wisdom, fairness, compassion, and careful consideration.
Gesmundo underscored initiatives aimed at improving access to justice, including the Rules on Unified Legal Aid Services requiring covered lawyers to render at least 60 hours of pro bono legal service every three years for indigent Filipinos, proposed rules supporting developmental and social change lawyering, and measures promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities through Filipino Sign Language interpretation in courts.
According to him, the reforms have yielded positive results, with courts across all levels improving their case disposition rates despite heavy caseloads. He noted that the Court increased its disposition rate from 19 percent in 2022 to 23 percent in 2025.
As his term as chief justice nears its end, Gesmundo said the judiciary's strength lay not in any one individual but in the collective commitment of judges, court personnel, lawyers, government partners, civil society, academe, the media, and citizens who uphold the rule of law.
"The judiciary does not belong to any one person, administration, or generation. It belongs to the Constitution and, ultimately, to the Filipino people whom it serves," he said.
