By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Supreme Court and the United States State Department’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) are looking to expand cooperation on judicial education, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo received INL Director Navarro Moore and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit October 6 at the Supreme Court En Banc Conference Room in Ermita, Manila.
The meeting focused on the continuing partnership between the Philippine Judiciary and the US agency, particularly programs aimed at preparing judges and court personnel for increasingly complex legal and technological challenges.
Gesmundo expressed appreciation for the INL’s longstanding assistance through judicial training and education initiatives.
Among the areas covered by the partnership are digital evidence, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, transnational organized crime and other emerging concerns affecting the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice said these efforts support the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which places emphasis on modernization, technology, institutional development and wider access to justice.
Moore reaffirmed the US agency’s intention to further develop its engagement with the Philippine Judiciary and help strengthen the capabilities of judges and court personnel dealing with technology-driven offenses and cross-border criminal activities.
The officials also explored additional avenues for cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity, emerging technologies and continuing judicial education.
Both sides stressed that the relationship between the Supreme Court and the INL is an institutional partnership that is expected to remain in place beyond Gesmundo’s retirement in November.
They noted that the Judiciary’s modernization program was designed as a long-term undertaking that can continue regardless of changes in leadership.
The visit also carried a symbolic gesture of the broader Philippine-American relationship.
Moore gave Gesmundo a customized commemorative watch marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States, representing eight decades of bilateral cooperation.
Also present during the meeting were Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Technology Officer Atty. Jed Sherwin G. Uy, Office of the Chief Justice Deputy Judicial Staff Head Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila, INL Deputy Director Sam Hargadine and INL Legal Specialist Atty. Chudney Ngo.
The Supreme Court said it intends to sustain its engagement with the INL in advancing judicial excellence and strengthening access to justice.
ia/xf
