Courage needed to face certainty, uncertainty in 2023, says CJ Gesmundo

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Courage is needed to face a future, both certain and uncertain, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said in his New Year message.

In his New Year’s message released on Saturday, Gesmundo said it is important to look back on what had happened in the previous year to look ahead to the future.

“As 2022 comes to a close, we are faced with the ultimate test: the inevitable assessment of the year that was, in hopes of helping us determine what still needs to be done […] To pass this test, we need the virtues of gratitude, humility, and wisdom,” he said.

“However as we look back, we also look ahead.  And to move forward, a fourth virtue is required: courage.  We need courage to face a future both certain and uncertain.  Courage to take on challenges, old and new.  Courage to sustain past gains and improve where needed,” he added.

Gesmundo assured the public that the Supreme Court will continue to build on the gains that it had achieved in 2022.

“Indeed, it takes insurmountable courage to accept the lessons of the past year and apply these to the new, with all the new year’s potential and promise.  On the part of the judiciary, our resolution for the New Year is to nurture the seeds of reform as envisioned in our Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, and to ensure their growth in 2023 and beyond, for the triumph of justice,” he said.

“With renewed commitment, we wish the nation strength as we endeavor to make the new year better than the last.  May we all have a happy and prosperous new year,” he added.

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/MUF