Chief Justice Gesmundo to law graduates: Invest in technology, skills to adapt in challenging times

The Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) has conferred the Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, on Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo in recognition of his outstanding judicial career and service to the public as nation builder. (Photos from MLQU)

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has stressed the importance of technology, especially during the pandemic.

Gesmundo became Chief Justice in April 2021, the time the country was under lockdown due to COVID-19.

Last March 19, Gesmundo was conferred with Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa by Manuel L. Quezon University in recognition of his judicial career and service to the public.

“It is significant to note that as a legal advocate and a court justice for many years, the honorable Chief Justice Gesmundo has always upheld the high standards of a roster of distinguished justices of the Supreme Court, including three who were products of the MLQU School of Law, namely Associate Justices Isagani A. Cruz, Jose R. Melo and Jose C. Vitug,” University President Paquito Ochoa said.

Ochoa and Jose L. Acuzar, chairperson of the MLQU Board of Trustees, led the conferment rites during the commencement exercise of MLQU School of Law students.

In his speech,  Gesmundo said, “It is with great pride and humility that I accept this degree of Doctor of Law Honoris Causa from the Manuel L. Quezon University. There is no other way to express my deep appreciation but to say the words thank you. I am truly honored.”

Gesmundo reminded the graduates to be ready to adapt and improve with regard to technology that continuously reshapes work practices.

“As graduates of law, you must try to expand your horizons and investment in technology and skills that will suit our challenging times,” Gesmundo said.

Gesmundo said that when he was appointed Chief Justice last year, he was “overwhelmed” by the task of bringing justice to the people while the country is battling COVID-19.

The Chief Justice said the challenges brought by the quarantine restriction during the public health crisis have led the court to turn to technology to keep the wheels of justice from grinding to a halt, allow courts to receive pleadings by electronic mail, and conduct hearings through remote videoconferencing.

MLQU Board of Trustees Chairperson Jose L. Acuzar and university President Atty. Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. led the conferment rites, which coincided with the commencement exercise of students of the MLQU School of Law on March 19, 2022 in Quezon City. (Photos from MLQU)

Currently, he assured that there will be more technological reforms underway with the development of an information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure for the Philippine judiciary.

He said an E-court system for enhanced workflow processes and increased visual access to the courts were being rolled out, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for court operations to promote efficiency, and E-payment solutions for court fees, among others.

“Indeed, we have geared ourselves not only for this pandemic, but also for the future. We are making use of technological advancement to make sure that regardless of the situation, the court can continue with its duty of dispensing justice to all safely and efficiently,” Gesmundo told the graduates.

“As technology is reshaping our work practices, we must be ready to adapt and improve ourselves on these aspects. As graduates of law, you must try to expand your horizons and investment on technology and skills that will suit our challenging times,” he added.

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