Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo led a townhall meeting for the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Modernization Project held on August 11, 2025, at the Supreme Court – Court of Appeals (SC-CA) Gymnasium in Manila.

Joining him were Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Raul B. Villanueva.

The OCA’s modernization is one of the key initiatives under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI). It aims to make the OCA more responsive, service-focused, and better supported across regions.

In his keynote speech, Chief Justice Gesmundo highlighted the key changes under the OCA Modernization Plan, which was a result of extensive dialogue with OCA officials and support staff across all levels. “This is not a reform driven by numbers or policy papers alone. This is a reform shaped by dialogue, data, and a deep understanding of our mandate,” the Chief Justice said.

Under the modernization plan, a Central OCA Leadership Team (OCA Central) will focus on strategy, policy, and innovation. The SC will also expand with Offices of the Regional Court Manager (ORCMs) across all judicial regions. The ORCM aims to: (1) expedite court processes; (2) reduce the administrative workload of executive judges; and (3) harmonize processes across trial courts for better performance.

Six interim ORCMs were launched in 2024 in the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th Judicial Regions. In 2025, ORCMs will be established in all remaining judicial regions, with two each in the 4th Judicial Region and the National Capital Judicial Region. Full nationwide implementation is targeted by 2026.

With OCA’s functions decentralized, the current Deputy Court Administrators (DCAs) for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will transition from geographic to functional roles. They will be re-designated as DCAs for Court Administration, Court Operations, and Regional Services, enhancing OCA Central’s strategic oversight. Existing OCA offices will also be reorganized to align with digital advancements.

“This structure not only increases efficiency; it recognizes the need for local solutions, faster decision-making, and tailored support for our courts,” Chief Justice Gesmundo noted.

He also emphasized that modernization is also about empowering people. “Each day, your work sustains the rule of law. You bring justice within reach of the people. For that, your faithful service and dedication cannot simply be set aside.”

Thus, the SC is launching the Career Counseling Program for OCA employees as part of the transition. This will help them explore career paths, develop skills, and find opportunities for growth within the Judiciary. The Chief Justice assured them that no one would lose their job because of the reforms.

“This modernization is not a disruption, but a direction. It is a move toward a Judiciary that is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said, inviting everyone  to move forward together.

He added that these reforms are not just preserving the institution, but strengthening it. “We are a Judiciary that values its people, embraces innovation, and delivers justice more efficiently and more equitably than ever before. We will all move forward, together.”

Associate Justice Raul Villanueva, who helped design these reforms as former Court Administrator, also said that the ORCM structure will distribute the DCAs’ functions more effectively and enhance public service delivery.