Cebu: The Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) elected Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo as its new chair during its 11th meeting held in this historical island city. Malaysia’s chief justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Binti Tuan Mat, the council’s past chair, nominated Gesmundo to the post after hearing no nominations from other members. Gesmundo’s term, as the seventh chair since the council’s inception in 2013, will last until another Chief Justice is elected during the next Ordinary Meeting.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tuan Mat expressed confidence in Gesmundo’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, the CACJ will continue to prosper and solidify its role as a beacon of justice and catalyst for change. She emphasized the council’s strength in unity and the bonds forged among ASEAN chief justices, thanking them for their participation in the meeting at the Shangri-La Mactan.

In his acceptance speech, Gesmundo expressed gratitude to his fellow ASEAN chief justices for
entrusting him with the leadership of the council. He described the role as “a privilege and immense responsibility” amid the challenges and adjustments faced by each jurisdiction’s justice system. He highlighted the importance of ASEAN judiciaries remaining open to change and transformation to stay relevant to the people’s way of life.

Gesmundo underscored the dual mandate of judiciaries: to interpret and apply the law within their jurisdictions and to steer their judiciaries in a direction that meets the demands of progress and development. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and cooperation among ASEAN judiciaries through shared principles and knowledge, stating that this would strengthen their network and aid in finding creative solutions to common issues, ultimately enhancing stability and economic security in the region.

The CACJ, formerly the ASEAN Chief Justices Meeting (ACJM), was established in Singapore on August 23, 2013. It includes the chief justices of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, I
ndonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The council aims to strengthen democracy, enhance good governance, advance the principles of the Rule of Law, and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the ASEAN region through cooperation and understanding among its member states’ judiciaries.

The CACJ provides a forum for chief justices to exchange views on common issues, share best practices, and facilitate judicial cooperation. It aims to enhance the legal framework in ASEAN to promote equitable access to justice and economic growth and collaborates in capacity building in judicial education and court technology.