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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider First time in 124 years: SC justices visit Sulu to start construction of Hall of Justice in Patikul town

First time in 124 years: SC justices visit Sulu to start construction of Hall of Justice in Patikul town

Published Sep 7, 2025 11:25 am
Five Supreme Court (SC) justices travelled to Sulu last Sept. 4 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hall of Justice (HOJ) which will be constructed in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul town.
The travel to Sulu of the justices, led by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, was the first time since the SC was established 124 years ago on June 11, 1901.
With Chief Justice Gesmundo were Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justices Jhosep Y. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao, and Jose Midas P. Marquez.
Present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez; Sulu 1st District Rep. Samier A. Tan; Kusug Tausug Partylist Rep. Aiman Tan; Sulu Gov. Abdusakur A. Tan II; Vice-Governor Abdusakur M. Tan; National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Deputy Executive Director lawyer Jehan-Jehan A. Lepail; Sulu provincial board members; municipal mayors; and other local government officials.
The HOJ is a public building that centralizes various judicial and legal offices – trial courts, prosecutor's offices, public attorney's offices, and probation services, among other offices.
In Sulu, the HOJ will be constructed on an 8,010-square-meter lot.
In his speech, Chief Justice Gesmundo said justice is the foundation of peace, and the pillar for fostering development.
“Today, as we break ground for the new Sulu Hall of Justice, we affirm our unwavering belief in this truth: that peace, stability, and sustainable development can only be secured through a justice system that is swift, accessible and impartial,” he said.
He added: “This is why this groundbreaking for the Sulu Hall of Justice is not just a ceremony to commence construction. It is a statement of purpose -- to build not only a physical structure, but a more just, more stable, and more hopeful future for the people of Sulu.”
At the same time, Chief Justice Gesmundo said: “The HOJ will serve as a place where the people of Sulu, regardless of wealth, status, or belief, can seek protection of rights, redress of wrongs, and resolution of disputes. By doing so, it will lay a stronger foundation for peace, civic trust, and lasting development.”
Thus, he said, the HOJ will make judicial services more accessible to the people of Sulu, especially in a region that has often felt distant from national institutions.
The HOJ is designed to provide a centralized and well-designed space for court operations in support to the judiciary’s move to modern, ICT-powered systems like electronic courts and virtual hearings – all aligned with the SC’s target outcomes of efficiency, innovation, and access under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), he also said.
Senior Associate Justice Leonen said the Sulu HOJ will be a place where every litigant has the chance to be heard, and where truth and justice will prevail.
“It is here that we hope that the vision of the Constitution -- that we are all sovereigns, that we can make ourselves accountable, and that we can achieve social justice -- can become a reality,” Leonen said.
The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said the groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by SC Chief Marshal Manuel R. Gaerlan; Deputy Marshal for Mindanao Eric B. Distor; SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting; Chief Communications Officer lawyer Michael Jobert I. Navallo; Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Technology Officer lawyer Jed Sherwin G. Uy; Deputy Chief Justice Staff Head lawyer Antonio Ceasar R. Manila; Executive Judge Alsad Hailil Alfad, Jr. of Branch 25, Regional Trial Court, Siasi, Sulu; judges, and court employees.
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