EJK AND SEC. 16 OF THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION Supreme Court of the Philippines - Philippine Trial Judges League Inc. 30th Pearl Anniversary Cebu City

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we gather here to celebrate a momentous occasion - the 30th Pearl Anniversary of the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate each and every one of you for reaching this remarkable milestone. Your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and the rule of law has been a beacon of hope for the Filipino people.

As we commemorate this special occasion, it is imperative that we reflect upon the challenges that lie ahead. One such challenge that we must confront is the failure of speedy administration of justice. The consequences of this failure are far-reaching and profound. It contributes to extra-judicial killings, the thirst for instant justice, and the dangerous trend of individuals taking matters into their own hands.

We live in a society where the demand for justice is urgent and palpable. Citizens, tired of waiting for their cases to be resolved, become disillusioned with the justice system. They become desperate for resolution, for closure, and for retribution. This desperation, born out of a lack of timely justice, can manifest in dangerous ways. It can lead to a breakdown of trust in our institutions and the erosion of the very fabric of our society.

It is thus our duty to rise to this challenge and address it head-on. We must strive to ensure that justice is not only served, but is served swiftly. We must work together to expedite the resolution of cases and restore faith in our justice system. By doing so, we can help prevent the rise of summary executions and the dangerous thirst for street justice.

As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. Every day that a case remains unresolved, the trust of our citizens in the system diminishes.

As trial judges, you have the power to be catalysts for change by ensuring that cases are presided over in a timely and impartial manner. You are instruments in restoring the people’s faith in the system, and to prevent the tragic consequences that arise from a lack of speedy justice.

As you celebrate this Pearl Anniversary, I trust that you continually embody the ideals and principles that your organization, the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. stands for. Let us all work together to strengthen our justice system, to ensure the speedy administration of justice, and to protect the rights of every Filipino citizen.

Together, we can create a society where justice is not only served, but is served swiftly; where the thirst for instant justice is quenched by the fair and impartial resolution of cases.

To close, I would like to once again congratulate the Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. on your 30th Pearl Anniversary. Your dedication and commitment to fairness and equity have been an inspiration to all.

As we move forward, let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead with renewed determination and resolve. Together, we can build a future where the rule of law reigns supreme.

Mga kababayan, patuloy tayo maging MATATAG sa pagtaguyod ng isang Bansang Makabata at mga Batang Makabansa.

Ang lahat para sa Diyos, Bayan, at Pamilyang Pilipino.

Shukran.