June will now be observed annually as Judiciary Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 1265, expanding the previous weeklong celebration to recognize the Judiciary’s role in democratic governance as the Philippine Supreme Court marks its 125th anniversary this year.
The proclamation seeks to strengthen public awareness and appreciation of the Judiciary by allowing a longer period for programs and activities promoting judicial integrity, independence, accountability, and efficiency.
It amends Presidential Proclamation No. 47, issued in 2001, which designated June 4 to 11 as Judiciary Week.
According to the proclamation, extending the observance to the entire month will give the Judiciary greater flexibility in organizing events and encourage broader participation from stakeholders while retaining the celebration’s connection to the Supreme Court’s founding anniversary.
The proclamation also directs national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to support the observance. Local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector are likewise encouraged to participate.
The Supreme Court was established on June 11, 1901, through Act No. 136 of the Philippine Commission. Cayetano Arellano served as its first chief justice.
To commemorate its 125th anniversary, the high court has launched a yearlong series of activities under the theme “SC: 125 Years of Tradition and Innovation.”
The commemoration opened January 14 with a special en banc session at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, the former seat of the Supreme Court before World War II. Historical exhibits were also mounted at the Ayuntamiento and the Supreme Court Main Lobby.
On January 21, the court introduced the Grand Judiciary Tour, a monthly public tour highlighting the Judiciary’s 125-year history. The program includes visits to historically significant sites in Intramuros and other locations tied to the institution’s legacy.
In February, the Supreme Court launched a nationwide photography contest for professional and amateur photographers with the theme “Accessible and Inclusive Justice.” Participants were invited to document stories reflecting struggle, hope, resilience, and the pursuit of fairness. More than 2,500 entries were submitted, with winners set to be announced on June 15 at the en banc session hall.
The court also opened a poster-making contest for children 15 years old and below under the theme “Imagine a Just World.” The initiative aimed to encourage civic awareness and appreciation of the rule of law through art. About 400 entries were received, and winners will be announced June 8.
More than 7,000 judiciary officials and employees participated in the Supreme Court’s first nationwide Judiciary Fun Run on March 22, which was held simultaneously across multiple judicial regions.
The court also launched an AI hackathon in March with the theme “Building Today for the Future,” open to non-IT judiciary personnel from March 17 to June 11. The initiative seeks to generate practical solutions to challenges in judicial operations by pairing operational personnel with specialists from the Management Information Systems Office. Winners will be announced June 11.
Several commemorative projects are also scheduled throughout Judiciary Month.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines will install historical markers at the Supreme Court New Building, which has served as the court’s principal seat since 1991.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will issue commemorative coins and banknotes honoring the Supreme Court’s history, while the Philippine Postal Corporation will release stamps and other philatelic products marking the anniversary.
AF Payments Inc. will also release Supreme Court-themed beep cards to promote public awareness of the Judiciary. The cards will be made available to the public, with complimentary cards distributed to Supreme Court employees.
The court is, likewise,set to open the SC Gift Shop at the Supreme Court Main Building, offering official merchandise, including apparel, accessories, drinkware, stationery, and special anniversary items.
Another featured program is the launch of Model SC, an educational initiative for senior high school students patterned after Model United Nations. The program will simulate oral arguments on public interest cases and demonstrate how Supreme Court decisions are communicated through press briefings.
Students from Manila Science High School will participate in the pilot run, assuming the roles of justices, counsel, amici curiae, Supreme Court spokesperson and media representatives.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo is set to lead the Supreme Court’s daylong 125th anniversary celebration on June 11 at the Supreme Court Quadrangle in Manila, together with incumbent and retired justices, court officials, and employees.
Read the full text of Presidential Proclamation No. 1265 at the Official Gazette. (Courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
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