By el Amigo
MANILA — Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo marked another milestone in his final months in office as he led his last Supreme Court flag-raising ceremony in Baguio on August 24, ahead of his retirement in November.
Speaking during the Court’s annual Baguio sessions, Gesmundo reflected on the significance of the city to the Judiciary, describing it as a venue where important transitions have traditionally taken place—from welcoming new members to bidding farewell to those completing their years of service.
This year’s gathering, however, unfolded under unusual circumstances. Rather than the warm conditions typically associated with the Court’s Baguio sessions, the Judiciary held its activities amid days of rain and the looming threat of a super typhoon.
For Gesmundo, the situation underscored an important lesson about institutions: while long-standing traditions help preserve continuity, the Judiciary must also remain flexible and prepared to respond to circumstances it cannot foresee.
With his retirement drawing closer, Gesmundo admitted that leaving the institution he has served for much of his professional life carries a sense of sadness. Still, he said he remains confident that the Judiciary is in good hands and will continue carrying out its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, independence and excellence.
The ceremony served as what Gesmundo called “the beginning of my farewell,” as he expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and fellow members of the Judiciary for their dedication and for allowing him to serve alongside them.
elamigo/xf
