The Notre Dame of Dadiangas University {NDDU) hosted the Supreme Court of the Philippines for two critical events on September 17-18, 2024 at the Br. James McKnioht Auditorium, marking significant steps in the nation’s judicial reforms.
The second leg of the Discussions on the Proposed Amendments to the Rutes of Criminal Procedure took place on the first day, followed by the fifth leg of the Ethics consultative Caravan (Ethics Caravan on the second day, drew distinguished members of the judiciary. Legal practitioners, and court personnel from across South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
The event was graced by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Associate Justices Maria Filomena Singh, Rodil Zalameda, and Jhosep Lopez, alongside esteemed judges and court employees from First and Second Level Courts in the region. The session was formally opened by NDDU President Bro. Manuel V. de Leon. FMS, who warmly welcomed the Supreme Court justices, court personnel, and guests to the university.
On September 17, Chief Justice Gesmundo led the discussions on key proposed amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure, emphasizing the need for modernization and efficiency in the judicial process. Notable topics included the introduction of conditional arraignment, custodial hearings for baiI applications, the use of certified DNA test results as grounds for a new trial. and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Department of Justice in preliminary investigations. These proposed changes aim to streamline criminal procedures, uphold the rights of both defendants and victims and ensure swifter access to justice.
The Ethics Consultative Caravan was the focus of Day 2. This initiative gathered feedback from judges and court employees on the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel and the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary. This Leg was chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Fitomena D Singh who emphasized the critical role of ethics in the judiciary “Ethics is always a matter of choice,” Justice Singh remarked, underlining the importance of transparency and accountability as core tenets of the judicial system.
ln the morning and afternoon sessions of the Ethics Caravan Court of Appeals (CN Associate Justice Jacob and CA Executive Justice Maxino delivered the closing remarks, expressing their gratitude for the valuable input from the participants.
NDDU’S hosting of these prestigious Supreme Court events reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration on legal and ethical reforms in the Philippines. Both the proposed amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Ethics Consultative Caravan represent significant milestones in the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernize and uphold the integrity of the judicial system