The Supreme Court: Listening to the voice of the people

There are no shortcuts when it comes to protecting the civil liberties and rights of peoples under a country’s constitution. Enforcing the people’s constitutional rights is no small matter and is of paramount importance, a particularly daunting task that rests squarely on the shoulders of the members of the country’s highest judicial body, the Supreme Court.

First established in June 1901, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has since become an integral part of the country’s democratic infrastructure, working alongside the two other branches of government in a co-equal and independent manner. Led by the chief justice, who is the highest magistrate of the land, the Supreme Court includes 13 other associate justices who serve until the age of 70. Currently, the honor and burden of leading the Supreme Court are held by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, who was appointed as the 27th head of the country’s Judiciary on April 5, 2021, by President Duterte.