Supreme Court chief to end 45-day stint on Oct. 10

Supreme Court Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro will end her 45-day stint on Oct. 10, the compulsory date of her retirement.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has announced the opening for application of the post of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

What did De Castro contribute to the Judiciary during her short term?

Lawyer Mundlyn Martin, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu chapter president, said leadership is service no matter how short the stint was.

“I believe Chief Justice De Castro did what she does best. She was able to make the best out of it and contributed to the organization. That matters to me,” Martin told SunStar Cebu.

A leader’s contribution to his organization is not measured by how long or short his term is, Martin said.

“What matters is her contribution to the organization and how she made an impact in the lives of the people within the organization and the public,” Martin said.

The High Court yesterday held retirement ceremonies for De Castro.

The JBC announced that it has started accepting applications or recommendations for De Castro’s successor.

Applications and documentary requirements shall be submitted to the JBC not later than Oct. 15.

De Castro was in Cebu City for the launching of the Cebu City Justice Zone at the Qimonda IT Park last Thursday.

The Justice Zone is a permanent meeting, advisory and decision-making body that involves the most senior justice officials in a local area.

It aims to identify causes of and solutions to case backlogs and improve case and witness management.

Among the stakeholders are the trial courts, prosecution service, public attorneys, law agencies, city and provincial jails and the barangay justice system.

In her speech during the rolling out of the program, De Castro said the justice zone in Cebu City will help promote communication, coordination and cooperaloan tion among the justice sectors.

The justice zone is part of the Philippine Development Plan for years 2017 to 2022 to speed up the administration of justice.

Its pilot project in Quezon City was a success, said De Castro. /