The Supreme Court (SC) celebrated its 124th Anniversary on June 11, 2025, highlighting the progress made under its reform program, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI).

During the celebration at the SC-Court of Appeals gymnasium in Manila, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo addressed SC officials and employees, reminding them of the SC’s important role as “the final arbiter of legal disputes, the protector of people’s rights, and the steadfast guardian of our Constitution.”

He encouraged everyone in the Judiciary to continue building on the work of those who came before them and to rise to the challenge of modern times. “The world is constantly changing, and technology is reshaping our lives faster than we may even notice it. Every day, we are made aware of new vulnerabilities and threats, as progress rarely comes without challenges,” he said.

To respond to these challenges, the SC launched the SPJI—a roadmap to make courts more efficient, innovative, and accessible to the people. “We wish to bring justice closer to the people, by showing them a truly responsive justice system that adapts to their needs, and not the other way around. Through reform and innovation, we wish to make people feel and see what real justice is truly about.”

Under the SPJI, the SC has successfully institutionalized videoconference hearings, rolled out the Office of the Regional Court Manager, and pilot-tested AI tools such as voice-to-text software for court stenographers and AI-powered platforms to streamline legal research. The SC is also drafting an AI Governance Framework for ethical and effective integration across judicial operations.

Chief Justice Gesmundo also honored the people behind these achievements. “The Court has been able to stand its ground through crises and conflicts, not through sheer endurance alone, but through the strength and the resolve of its people, both past and present.”

To support its workforce, the SC has launched several programs, including a Unified Healthcare Plan, mental health summits, and other employee welfare initiatives. The SC was also recently recognized again as one of the Philippines’ best employers.

The Chief Justice Gesmundo ended his speech with a powerful message: “Let us remain united in our mission. The majesty of our institution lies not in the weight of the robes we don nor in the titles we bear, but in the unrelenting pursuit of justice that each one of us commits to every day.”

The celebration, themed “Supreme Court @124: Celebrating the Legacy of the Judiciary: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, and Empowering the Present,” began on June 10 with the opening of a photo exhibit at the SC New Building lobby. The exhibit, prepared by the SC Library Services, showcased the SC’s history since 1901. Chief Justice Gesmundo, led the opening along with SC Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen; Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa and Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan. They were joined by SC Clerk of Court En Banc Atty. Marife M. Lomibao-Cuevas, Assistant Court Administrator Atty. Maria Regina Adoracion Filomena M. Ignacio, and SC Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Ma. Carina A. Matamu-Cunanan.

The main event on June 11 started with a Eucharistic Mass led by the Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula. It was followed by the Chief Justice’s speech, which was  attended by SAJ Leonen, SC Associate Justices Japar B. Dimaampao and Raul B. Villanueva; Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Corazon G. Ferrer-Flores, and SC officials and personnel.

In the afternoon, the celebration continued with musical performances and various competitions,  highlighting the unity and camaraderie among members of the SC community. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of Spokesperson)