SC Justices Celebrate Judicial Innovations with METCJAP Judges at Silver Jubilee Annual Convention
Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen (front row, third from left) and Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Amy C. Lazaro-Javier (front row, second from left), Jose Midas P. Marquez (front row, leftmost), and Raul B. Villanueva (front row, fifth from left) join City of Taguig Mayor Hon. Maria Laarni “Lani” Lopez Cayetano (front row, fourth from left) and officers of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) during the 25th MetCJAP Annual Convention and Seminar held on September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Supreme Court (SC) Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justices Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Rodil V. Zalameda, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Raul B. Villanueva joined the 25th Annual Convention and Seminar of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) held on September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global Center, City of Taguig.
With the theme “The Judiciary and Beyond: The Five Pillars of Justice and the SPJI,” the silver jubilee event focused on how the Judiciary, together with its partners in the justice system, can strengthen and modernize the delivery of justice through reform and technology.
In his keynote address, Acting Chief Justice Leonen praised the judges for their steadfast dedication, noting that the “steady progress of [our] collective efforts” is essential to meaningful reform.
He shared updates on the Judiciary’s ongoing digitalization, advising judges not to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) until the SC adopts a governance framework that sets ethical standards for its use.
“[S]trong human oversight remains indispensable, and no artificial intelligence will be implemented without it,” he said. He added that the Judiciary’s direction is toward “human-centered, augmented intelligence” to ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, human judgment.
Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen delivers the keynote address at the 25th Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. Annual Convention and Seminar held on September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court Communications Office)
“Judicial power is not true power. Again, it is a duty. If, at all, its power is a mere incident or effect of its duty. Any power the judiciary holds is not wielded for its own sake. The judiciary is that unique branch of the government that does not seek to govern; but rather it seeks to protect the rights of the governed. Independence and integrity of the judiciary do not empower it. Instead, they empower the people.”Justice Javier added: “As a pillar of justice, the judiciary must remain unwavering so that every citizen can believe that justice is not only possible, but inevitable.”
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier delivers an inspirational message during the opening day of the 25th Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. Annual Convention and Seminar, held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Justice Inting, who administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers of MetCJAP’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the importance of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) in reforming the Judiciary and improving access to justice. He cited key initiatives such as the Office of the Regional Court Manager to decentralize administrative work in courts, the PJ365 system, Judiciary e-Payment Solution, the Unified Legal Aid Service, and streamlined digitalized court procedures.
Justice Inting said the “SPJI serves as a blueprint designed to meet the evolving demands of our justice system,” not only to improve efficiency but also to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and responsiveness. He also highlighted the Judiciary’s gender sensitivity guidelines and training programs designed to foster an inclusive and respectful environment.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting speaks to members of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) during the second day of their 25th Annual Convention on Seminar, held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Justice Zalameda, in his lecture “Digital Predators: The Evolution of Crime in the Internet Age,” discussed the growing dangers of cybercrime and cyberviolence.
“While technology has made our lives easier and more convenient, it has also increased our vulnerabilities,” he cautioned.
Justice Zalameda warned against the rising sophistication of online scams, fraud, and other digital crimes, stressing the Judiciary’s need to embrace digital transformation while remaining alert to risks.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda delivers a lecture on technology and cybercrime violence on the first day of the 25th Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. Annual Convention and Seminar, held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
MetCJAP is composed of first-level court judges from metropolitan areas and cities across the country. It provides a platform to protect their interests and welfare, improve professional skills, and promote dialogue on judicial issues. It also partners with national and international judicial groups to help safeguard judicial independence.
The Convention featured the turnover of new officers, welcoming new members, and lectures on Enhancing Justice Accessibility for Disadvantaged and Marginalized Communities, Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations, AI and the Courtroom: Evaluating Forensic Evidence, and Rules on Criminal Procedure Reforms towards Jail Decongestion.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justices Amy C. Lazaro-Javier (fifth from left), Rodil V. Zalameda (fourth from left), Jose Midas P. Marquez (rightmost), and Raul B. Villanueva (third from left) receive tokens of appreciation from the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) during their 25th Annual Convention and Seminar, held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig City. With the Justices are MetCJAP Incoming President, Presiding Judge Jeland Omer L. Pormentilla, Branch 135, Metropolitan Trial Court (METC), Quezon City (leftmost); Outgoing President, Presiding Judge Eileen Joy T. Pakino-Bonghanoy, Single Sala, Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Gingoog City (sixth from left); and Presiding Judge Ayn Marie Grace Gatdula Barit-Carig, Branch 31, METC, Quezon City (second from left). (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)
Officials from the SC, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Department of Justice, also delivered presentations, including Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta; Assistant Court Administrators Lilian C. Barribal-Co and Maria Regina Adoracion Filomena M. Ignacio; Chief Marshal Manuel R. Gaerlan; Deputy Chief Marshals Joel Napoleon M. Coronel, Randy O. Remonte, and Eric B. Distor—for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively; and Office of the Chief Justice Deputy Chief Justice Staff Head Atty. Antonio Ceasar Manila.
Other speakers were Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda, and Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo.
The three-day event celebrated MetCJAP’s 25 years of growth and service, reaffirming its members’ commitment to uphold justice, integrity, and professionalism amid evolving challenges in the judicial landscape. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting officiates the oath-taking of the newly elected Board of Trustee of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MetCJAP) on the second day of the 25th MetCJAP Annual Convention and Seminar, held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of the SC Communications Office)