By Brian Campued
June has recently been declared “Judiciary Month” in recognition of the founding anniversary of the Supreme Court (SC).
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1265 on May 21, amending Proclamation 47 (s. 2021), which only designated June 4–11 of every year as “Judiciary Week.”
The President said extending the observance to the entire month will give the Judiciary greater flexibility in organizing activities as part of the high court’s founding anniversary celebration, highlighting its role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the effective administration of justice.
The new proclamation further stated, “There is a need to further strengthen public awareness and appreciation of the Judiciary as a pillar of democratic governance by providing a longer period for the conduct of programs and activities that promote judicial integrity, independence, accountability, and efficiency.”
In line with this, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, were directed to participate and provide the necessary assistance for the effective implementation of Proclamation 1265.
Local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are also encouraged to take part and extend support.
The Supreme Court was established on June 11, 1901, through Act No. 136 of the Philippine Commission. Its first Chief Justice was Cayetano Arellano.
Slated activities
As part of its 125th anniversary, the high court’s Office of the Spokesperson said the SC has rolled out a series of activities throughout the year under the theme “SC: 125 Years of Tradition and Innovation.”
The commemoration began with a special En Banc session on Jan. 14 at the Ayuntamiento de Manila, where the SC once sat until World War II.
An exhibit highlighting its history was also displayed at the Ayuntamiento and at the SC Main Lobby.
Throughout the Judiciary Month, several commemorative initiatives will also be unveiled, such as historical markers from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at the SC New Building, commemorative coins and bank notes from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, as well as commemorative stamps from the Philippine Postal Corporation.
The SC will also launch an educational program for senior high school students that will “simulate oral arguments on public interest cases and demonstrate how SC decisions are communicated through press briefings.”
Students from Manila Science High School will participate in the said program, taking on roles such as Justices, counsel, amici curiae, SC Spokesperson, and media representatives.
-jpv
