The Supreme Court of the Philippines, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) in New York, hosted a luncheon for the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law on July 5, 2024.

The event, held at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center in New York City, focused on “Advancing the Rule of Law through the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations: The Philippine Experience.”

The Group of Friends of the Rule of Law is an informal network of about 50 UN Member States from various regional groups, dedicated to discussing and promoting the coherence of UN rule of law activities.

Representing the Supreme Court at the event were Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Ricardo R. Rosario, Antonio T. Kho, Jr., and Maria Filomena D. Singh. They were accompanied by H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN.

Justice Singh opened the discussion by emphasizing the essential role of the Judiciary in any conversation about the rule of law. She advocated for a proactive Judiciary that goes beyond traditional roles, suggesting that judges should actively work to improve the circumstances of those affected by global and local events.

The Justices then highlighted the Supreme Court's initiatives under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), spearheaded by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.

Justice Hernando detailed the Court's technology-driven approach, which included video conference hearings and online filing of court submissions during the global pandemic. He also explained the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons.

Justice Lazaro-Javier discussed the Court’s efforts to enhance access to justice for families, women, and children. She mentioned the Rule of International Child Abduction Cases and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to improve family mediation.

She also provided updates on the Court’s role in the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices and highlighted the 2021 Aquino v. Aquino case, where the Court abandoned the Iron Curtain Rule to protect the best interests of children. Additionally, she introduced the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

Justice Rosario affirmed the Court’s dedication to safeguarding justice from violence, threats, and undue influence by discussing the establishment of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals.

Unlike the U.S. Marshals Service, which operates under the Department of Justice, the Philippine Office of the Judiciary Marshals is supervised by the Office of the Court Administrator.

Finally, Justice Kho emphasized the Supreme Court's commitment to judicial integrity and independence through the creation of the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB).

The JIB is responsible for handling administrative complaints and disciplinary actions against members of the Judiciary, judges, officers, and employees, excluding Supreme Court members.

He also discussed the 2023 Amended Rules of Procedure in Election Contests Involving Elective Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Officials.