SC opens 2 halls of justice in Nueva Ecija

The Supreme Court (SC) inaugurated two halls of justice in Nueva Ecija last March 19.

These were a family court building in Palayan City and a metropolitan trial court building in Bongabon.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo was assisted by provincial, city, and town officials in the inauguration.

“With these new buildings come a new vigor and enthusiasm for work. Your dedication to service will add brilliance to these buildings,” the Chief Justice told court officials and employees and heads of local government units in Nueva Ecija.

Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole J. Cuevas, Executive Judge Emelita DC Miranda Portillo, and Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva assisted Gesmundo in the

cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and unveiling of markers for the Palayan City Hall of Justice.

In Bongabon, the Chief Justice was assisted by Mayor Ricardo I. Padilla, Presiding Judge Cheryl S. Gamalindan Encinares, and Villanueva.

“Even though there is only one court here (in Bongabon), it is as valuable as any court in the entire country. Our success in delivering justice depends on each one of us and is not based on the size of the place or the number of cases or courts in a place,” Gesmundo said.

He reiterated that the goal of the Judiciary is not just to ensure that justice is made accessible to all, but also to make justice delivery faster and more affordable.

Thus, he said, the SC launched its blueprint of action for judicial reform – the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 20222027 (SPJI), the cornerstones of which are: Timely and Fair Justice, Transparent and Accountable Justice, Equal and Inclusive Justice, with Technologically Adaptive Management.

Through the SPJI, he assured the

Judiciary strives to achieve the three target outcomes of efficiency, innovation, and access.

“We truly cannot afford to postpone the important reforms to revitalize and improve the Judiciary. In our current time, when the challenges in society are increasing, we need to elevate the capability of our institution. While we strive to expedite and enhance service delivery, let us not forget that justice is for everyone – regardless of our origins, gender, beliefs, or status in life,” Gesmundo said.