More than 1,500 participants, including justices and court officials, have joined the Supreme Court’s (SC) fun run for judicial innovation on Sunday.
Among the justices who participated in the fun run dubbed the “SPJI in Motion: Strategic Run for Judicial Innovations 2023” were Associated Justices Mario Lopez, Jhosep Lopez, and Jose Midas Marquez.
Associate Justices Ricardo Rosario and Antonio Kho Jr. as well as SC officials and employees, trial court judges and members of various court organizations were also present.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the event was a reminder that the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 is “now in motion.”
The top magistrate also called for continued support for all of the High Court’s reform initiatives under the SPJI, which serves as the roadmap for judicial reforms.
“As this occasion reminds us, the SPJI is now in motion. And it is up to us to ensure its continued progress towards our vision of a more effective and responsive judiciary, serving not only the people but also the dedicated individuals within it,” Gesmundo told the participants to the fun run which was divided into three race categories namely 5k, 3k and 1k.
“You have fought the good fight; you have run the race; now I hope you keep the faith: that we can all make it to the finish line of these reforms, where our dream of a better judiciary awaits,” Gesmundo added.
He added that much like the fun run, the reforms envisioned under the SPJI are also going to test the judiciary’s determination, endurance, and stamina.
“But seeing you all here today, running for a cause early this cold Sunday morning, I am confident that we as one Supreme Court will make it to the finish line,” he added. Rey E. Requejo
He further said that aside from promoting awareness on SPJI, the fun run is also aimed at promoting better physical health and welfare of every court employee.
The SPJI aims to create new frameworks and approaches to solve perennial problems in the judiciary, such as case delays, clogged dockets, and little to no resources.
The SPJI has four guiding principles namely, timely and fair justice, transparent and accountable justice, equal and inclusive justice, and technologically adaptive court management.
It also aimed to address vacancies in the lower courts.
Court records showed that as of Sept.2021, of the total 2, 692 lower courts authorized by Congress, 308 were listed as vacant and another 143 were “unorganized, with 121 judges deemed retired.
