SC Holds Judicial Heritage Conference with PHILJA and Pacific Judicial Council
Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V. F. Leonen (center) and Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul B. Inting (11th from left), Japar B. Dimaampao (10th from left), Samuel H. Gaerlan (ninth from left), Jose Midas P. Marquez (ninth from right), and Raul B. Villanueva (eight from right) welcome Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Guam and President of the Pacific Judicial Council (10th from right) and other delegates as part of a cross-cultural dialogue titled “Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures” held on October 8, 2025, at the SC Session Hall, Manila. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
The Supreme Court of the Philippines (SC) and the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), in partnership with the Pacific Judicial Council (PJC), held the Judicial Heritage Conference titled Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures from October 5 to 9, 2025. The event brought together justices, judges, lawyers, scholars, and cultural leaders from the Philippines and the United States (U.S.) to reflect on the roots of law in history, culture, and community.
The conference explored topics such as colonial legacies, indigenous justice systems, judicial leadership, and integration of tradition and culture in modern legal frameworks. The conference emphasized the importance of heritage in shaping a more inclusive, ethical, and culturally grounded judiciary.
SC Associate Justices Samuel H. Gaerlan and Jose Midas P. Marquez attended the first day of the conference held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-la The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City.
Justice Gaerlan delivered the keynote address, tracing the evolution of Philippine judicial institutions from pre-colonial barangay justice systems to the modern judiciary. He emphasized the integration of indigenous practices such as the Bodong, a Kalinga peace pact rooted in restorative justice, underscoring the enduring relevance of customary law in contemporary legal systems.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan gives the keynote address during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
He also highlighted the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI) which aims to build a Judiciary that is efficient, inclusive, and culturally grounded—delivering timely justice while integrating indigenous traditions and strengthening public trust.
“Today, we not only honor the beauty of the past, but we likewise chart a luminous path forward. As we shape the future, may our judicial legacy be justice at the heart of every decision, compassion at the core of every law, and ethics and morality as the inner compass. May judicial precedents hold promise for forging a just and equitable future, always with unwavering care for the generations to come.”
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice and PJC President Robert J. Torres, Jr. opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of judicial heritage and cultural memory. He reminded participants that law is found not only in statutes but also in lived experiences, traditions, and community practices. He urged them to learn from colonial histories and to envision justice rooted in both tradition and global responsibility.
Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Guam and President of the Pacific Judicial Council gives the opening remarks during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Vice Chancellor and retired SC Associate Justice Edgardo L. De Los Santos welcomed the attendees, calling the event a celebration of cross-cultural dialogue. He introduced a diverse lineup of speakers and discussions on colonial legacies, judicial leadership, and cultural expressions of justice through music, food, and architecture.
Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of the Philippines, delivered the first lecture. She explained how Spanish and American colonial rule influenced Filipino legal thinking, noting the rise of resistance movements and the development of the country’s unique legal identity.
Historian and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Mr. Manuel L. Quezon III followed with insights into the legal system during the Commonwealth period. He discussed the evolution of judicial independence and how the enduring influence of Spanish civil law and American common law continues to shape governance and legal traditions today.
Judge Michelle J. Childs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit warned about threats to judicial independence, including violence, intimidation, disinformation, and political pressure. She stressed the need for transparency, public trust, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the courts. She called for stronger safeguards and public education to maintain trust in the rule of law.
Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Vice Chancellor and retired SC Associate Justice Edgardo L. De Los Santos delivers the welcome remarks during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Philippine Court of Appeals (CA) Presiding Justice Fernanda C. Lampas-Peralta shared how the Philippine Judiciary is adapting to modern challenges through digital transformation and environmental justice. She highlighted the use of video conferencing and AI tools, the writ of kalikasan, and new laws like the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act and the Judiciary Marshals Act, all aiming to strengthen the system. She also emphasized the need for continuous education for judges.
Administrative Appeals Judge Melissa Jones of the U.S. Department of Labor gave a unique talk on global citizenship through sea glass hunting, reflecting on how it builds mindfulness, resilience, and shared humanity.
Retired Philippine CA Associate Justice Magdangal M. De Leon explored the link between music and law, showing how rhythm, harmony, and creativity can enhance legal thinking and emotional intelligence.
On the second day, participants visited Intramuros and the SC compound in Manila before traveling to the Training Center for Judges and Auxiliary Personnel (The Judicial Academy Philippines) in Tagaytay City. At the SC, they were warmly welcomed by Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, then Acting Chief Justice, and SC Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Gaerlan, Japar D. Dimaampao, Marquez, and Raul B. Villanueva, as well as SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting.
The third day featured a panel discussion titled “Bridging Traditions, Leading Change: Power Leaders on Justice, Culture, and Responsibility.” Retired U.S. Chief Trial Judge Benes Z. Aldana moderated the session. Panelists included Atty. Dominique D. Calhoun, President of the American National Bar Association; Atty. Anna Mercado Clark, former President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; Atty. Bendita Cynthia Malakia, former President of the American National LGBTQ+ Bar Association; and Atty. Jacqueline Taitano Terlaje, President of the Guam Bar Association. They shared how their cultural backgrounds shape their views on leadership and justice.
Dr. Fernando N. Zialcita, Professor Emeritus at Ateneo de Manila University, explained how the Filipino value of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) influences conflict resolution. While it encourages reconciliation, he warned it can also lead to favoritism. He called for a legal system that honors culture but remains fair and accountable.
On the last day, Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio of Guam presented Guam’s approach to justice, including reforms in juvenile justice, mental health, and drug courts. He also discussed efforts to strengthen ties with the Philippines, such as visa waivers and defense cooperation.
Environmental law advocates also took the stage. Atty. Maria Paz G. Luna, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary, called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, citing Palawan’s struggle against nickel mining in protected areas. Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda, Executive Director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, pushed for policies based on ecological integrity. She reminded participants that “not all legal is moral.”
Prof. Rose Cuison-Villazor of Rutgers Law School shared the story of women’s suffrage in the Philippines during American rule, and how race, gender, and empire created barriers. She called for continued efforts to ensure equality and representation.
In the afternoon, Atty. Christopher D. Donaal, board member of the Kalinga Province Cordillera Resource Center, together with members of the Kalinga Indigenous Community, demonstrated Bodong through a reenactment of a 2022 tribal conflict. The presentation showed how sipat (symbolic gesture of peace) and papod (peace offering/token) foster healing and reconciliation and how traditional practices can coexist with modern legal systems.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, then Acting Chief Justice, gives the closing remarks at the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines Auditorium in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
In his closing speech, SAJ Leonen urged the Judiciary to reconnect with its cultural and historical roots to deliver more meaningful justice. He said, “To reawaken heritage is to stand in this continuum, to listen deeply, and to act justly. Justice is a living, thriving heritage. One that is reawakened in every age, across every culture, through every judge who dares to listen and listen well.”
SAJ Leonen warned against forgetting the moral foundations of law. “Corruption thrives when heritage is silenced, because corruption feeds on forgetfulness,” he said. He outlined four key strategies to strengthen heritage: education, judicial practice, institutional reform, and cross-cultural dialogue—all aimed to revive and integrate heritage into the way justice is understood and applied today. He also reaffirmed the SC’s commitment to modernization through the SPJI.
The conference officially opened with a welcome reception on October 5, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. The event was attended by SC Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando and Marquez. Chief Justice Torres formally introduced the international delegates, while Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, PHILJA Chief of Office of the Research, Publication and Linkages Office, introduced the Philippine delegation. The welcome reception was emceed by Atty. Ting. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando (sixth from left) and Jose Midas P. Marquez (seventh from right, partly hidden) welcome Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Guam and President of the Pacific Judicial Council (center) and other delegates as part of a cross-cultural dialogue titled “Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures” held on October 5, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. They were joined by SC Spokesperson Camille Sue Mae L. Ting and other SC officials and lawyers. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
The Supreme Court (SC) Choir serenades participants during the welcome reception of Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 5, 2025, at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Professor Emeritus of History of the University of the Philippines, discusses colonial influence on Filipino legal identity and resistance movements during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Historian and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Mr. Manuel L. Quezon III explores the evolution of judicial independence in the Commonwealth era during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Judge Michelle J. Childs of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit warns about the threats to judicial independence and advocates responsible artificial intelligence use during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Philippine Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Fernanda C. Lampas-Peralta highlights digital transformation and environmental justice in the Philippine Judiciary during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Administrative Appeals Judge Melissa Jones of the United States Department of Labor shares reflections on global citizenship through sea glass hunting during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Retired Philippine Court of Appeals Associate Justice Magdangal M. De Leon links music and law during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 6, 2025, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Retired United States Chief Trial Judge Benes Z. Aldana moderates the panel discussion titled “Bridging Traditions, Leading Change: Power Leaders on Justice, Culture, and Responsibility” during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Dominique D. Calhoun, President of the American National Bar Association, shares how culture shapes leadership and justice during a panel discussion at the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Anna Mercado Clark, former President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, discusses cultural identity and legal leadership during a panel discussion at the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Bendita Cynthia Malakia, former President of the American National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, reflects on justice through lived experience during a panel discussion at the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Jacqueline Taitano Terlaje, President of the Guam Bar Association, shares advocacy for voting rights and cultural representation during a panel discussion at the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Dr. Fernando N. Zialcita, Professor Emeritus at Ateneo de Manila University, explores how Filipino values like utang na loob (debt of gratitude) affect conflict resolution during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 8, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio of Guam presents reforms in juvenile justice and highlights Philippine-Guam cooperation during the last session day of the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda, Executive Director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, urges for policies grounded in ecological integrity during the last session day of the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Maria Paz G. Luna, former Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, calls for stronger enforcement of environmental laws during the last session day of the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Prof. Rose Cuison-Villazor of Rutgers Law School recounts Filipino women’s suffrage history and calls for continued equality efforts during the last session day of the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
Atty. Christopher D. Donaal, board member of the Kalinga Province Cordillera Resource Center, together with members of the Kalinga Indigenous Community, reenact how they resolved a 2022 tribal conflict in their community during the Echoes of the Law: Reawakening Judicial Heritage Across Cultures held on October 9, 2025, at The Judiciary Academy of the Philippines Auditorium in Tagaytay City, Cavite. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)