Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has warned of “catastrophic consequences” if justice is not served “efficiently and effectively.” Thus, Gesmundo said, the judiciary has embarked on a five-year reform program aimed at “addressing the longstanding problem of making justice not only accessible but also speedy and inexpensive.” In previous public appearances, Gesmundo had said the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027 “is anchored on four guiding principles: Timely and Fair Justice, Transparent and Accountable Justice, Equal and Inclusive Justice, and Technologically Adaptive Management.” “These principles will propel the Supreme Court towards achieving three outcomes: Efficiency, Innovation, and Access,” he said. During the inauguration of the Hall of Justice (HOJ) in Sta. Rita, Pampanga last July 26, Gesmundo told government officials and employees that “justice forms the heart of our society, binds us together, provides stability to allow us to coexist as a community and as a country, and serves as the foundation of our shared pursuit of progress.” He also said: “Ang araw na ito ay nagpapatunay ng isang bagay -- pagká ang mga empleyado, kawani, opisyal ng gobyerno ay nagkaisa, lalong lalo na ‘pag sumuporta ang local government unit, lahat ay matatamo. Hindi ito milagro. Ito ay gawa natin. Sa pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, lahat ay magiging possible (This day is proof that if all public personnel and officials are united, especially with the support of local governments, everything can be accomplished. This is not a miracle.  We did this.  In unity and cooperation everything is possible).” On the judiciary’s SPJI, Gesmundo said: “I know I have discussed the SPJI and its target outcomes and corresponding activities at length on previous occasions with judges and court employees.” “But I mention it again to emphasize: building the justice system we envision involves so much more than brick and mortar. It calls on us to innovate and improve not just our physical structures but our processes and systems as well, in order to make them more responsive and accessible to the people we serve,” he added. He then expressed the judiciary’s gratitude to all the agencies, offices, and individuals who were instrumental in the construction of the Sta. Rita HOJ. He acknowledged the local government of Sta. Rita which donated the land for the HOJ and paid tribute to Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda who, he said, is “the mother” of Pampanga. In his opening remarks, SC’s Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva underscored that “having a presentable and reputable hall of justice emphasizes the lofty place that our justice system has in our democratic order.” He expressed hopes that “the new Sta. Rita HOJ will serve as a constant reminder to all its users that they all have a huge role to play in the judicial system.” “We in the judiciary should not fail the expectations of the people in Sta. Rita…. Instead, we should serve them well with utmost passion and dedication,” he also said. Sta. Rita Municipal Trial Court Judge Maria Zenaida V. Ferrer Alejandre said: “For us judges, a separate HOJ building provides us with an additional sense of pride, dignity, and security.” Among those who were also present during the inauguration were Sta. Rita Mayor Arthur L. Salalila, SC Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, Assistant Court Administrator and Public Information Office Chief Brian Keith F. Hosaka, and OCA-Office on the Halls of Justice Chief Atty. Raquel M Ladrillano.