PH Chief Justice seeks US assistance for office for Judicial Marshals

THE Chief Justice of the Philippines has sought assistance from the United States of America on establishing a judicial marshals academy.

A bill creating the Office of the Judicial Marshals is now with President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his signature, according to a statement released on Friday.

If the proposed measure is passed, there will be a security force under the supervision of the high court which will ensure the safety of members of the judiciary and their families.

During a courtesy visit by ad interim US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava on Thursday, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo and other associate justices asked for aid in establishing a judicial marshals academy.

The courtesy call was held inside the session hall to provide better physical distancing.

“We truly appreciate all the help and support that the US government has extended to the Court,” Mr. Gesmundo said, noting that the US government’s donation of equipment for video conferences to the court “will contribute to our collective commitment in expanding the public’s access to justice through technology.”

The chief justice discussed the court’s ongoing judicial reforms, among others, including the country’s strategic plan for judicial innovations from 2022 to 2026 where a framework and set of approaches were formulated to achieve better results on the Judiciary’s mandates was presented.

Ms. Variava reaffirmed their support for the Court’s reform projects, including the Office of the Judicial Marshals.

She said it was “great to see how technology is being used for court proceedings” and that the US government will “help and support you in ways we can. We highly value your friendship.” — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan