Chief Justice Gesmundo Awarded Honorary Doctorate
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo was recently granted an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Cebu School of Law. The ceremony, held in Cebu City, recognized Gesmundo as an individual of integrity who has excelled in law and justice education.
The University honored him for his leadership in justice administration, commitment to accessible legal services, and his role in delivering responsive, real-time justice. This recognition highlights his significant contributions and dedication to the legal profession.
Gesmundo’s Message to New Law Graduates
In his graduation address, Gesmundo inspired new lawyers to lead with integrity, innovation, and inclusion as they embark on their legal careers. He emphasized, “Integrity in our profession is not just about following the law — it is about being accountable to the people we serve. It is about earning the trust of those who turn to us for justice and living up to the ideals we hold as lawyers: honesty, fairness, and the pursuit of truth.”
He urged graduates to embrace technology responsibly, warning that innovation must always be guided by human judgment and conscience. “The law may be aided by computers and machines, but it must be guided by human judgment and conscience. That guidance is yours to provide,” he stressed.
Supporting Judicial Innovation and Reform
Gesmundo connected his call to the Supreme Court’s five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI 2022-2027), which seeks to resolve systemic challenges in the judiciary. “It is not enough for courts to function. They must serve. They must adapt. And they must reach those who need them the most, when they need them. That is the promise of judicial reform—and we need you, our future lawyers, to help make that promise real,” he said.
Championing Inclusion Through Legal Aid
Highlighting inclusion, especially for vulnerable groups, the Chief Justice discussed the Unified Legal Aid Service (ULAS). This initiative requires lawyers to provide at least 60 hours of pro bono service to indigent clients, ensuring they have meaningful access to justice.
Gesmundo reminded graduates, “The future of justice is already a matter for you and for your generation to define and defend. The future is yours to shape.”
University of Cebu School of Law’s Achievement
Established in 2002, the University of Cebu School of Law recently ranked fifth among law schools in the 2024 Bar examinations, posting a 74.32 percent passing rate. This achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence in legal education.
For more news and updates on legal education and justice, visit Filipinokami.com.