Starting this year, the month of June will be celebrated as “Judiciary Month” in commemoration of the founding of the Supreme Court (SC) 125 years ago on June 11, 1901.

The month-long celebration is mandated under President Marcos’ Presidential Proclamation (PP) No. 1265 which amended the “Judiciary Week” under PP 47 issued in 2001.

PP 1265 was issued “to highlight the vital role of the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the effective administration of justice.”

Thus, PP 1265 underscored the need “to further strengthen public awareness and appreciation of the Judiciary as a pillar of democratic governance by providing a longer period for the conduct of programs and activities that promote judicial integrity, independence, accountability, and efficiency.”

At the same time, PP 1265 stated that “extending the observance to the entire month of June will allow the Judiciary greater flexibility in organizing activities and will enable wider participation from stakeholders while ensuring that the celebration remains anchored on the founding anniversary of the Supreme Court.”

Under the new proclamation, “all agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or-controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.”

The SC had 26 chief justices with Cayetano Arellano as the first chief magistrate. Incumbent Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo is the 27th head of the judiciary. Associate Justice Raul B. Villanueva is the latest appointee at the SC as the 195th associate justice.

The SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said that starting last January, the High Court has rolled out a series of activities throughout the year under the theme “SC: 125 Years of Tradition and Innovation.”

It said the commemoration began with a special en banc (full court) session on Jan. 14, 2026 at the Ayuntamiento de Manila, where the SC once sat until World War II.

It also said an exhibit highlighting the SC’s history was also displayed at the Ayuntamiento and at the SC Main Lobby on Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila.

Last January 21, the SC launched the Grand Judiciary Tour that offers monthly public tours which provide an immersive look into the judiciary’s 125-year history. The tour includes key locations in Intramuros, where the SC was first set up, as well as other historically significant sites linked to its legacy.

Last February, the SC opened a nationwide photo contest for both professional and amateur photographers with the theme “Accessible and Inclusive Justice.”

It said the competition invited participants to capture “real-life stories of struggle, hope, resilience, and the everyday pursuit of fairness.” The contest drew over 2,500 entries, with the winners to be announced on June 15.

Also, last February, a poster-making contest for children aged 15 and below was launched with the theme “Imagine a Just World.” The contest encouraged young artists “to interpret the role of the judiciary through art, fostering civic awareness and appreciation of the rule of law.” About 400 entries were submitted. The winners will be announced on June 8.

Last March 22, the SC held its first nationwide Judiciary Fun Run, conducted simultaneously across multiple judicial regions and attended by more than 7,000 judiciary officials and employees.

Throughout the Judiciary Month, the SC said that several commemorative initiatives will be unveiled like historical markers from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at the SC New Building which has served as the SC’s principal seat since 1991.

It also said that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will also present commemorative coins and bank notes, while the Philippine Postal Corporation will issue stamps and other philatelic products honoring the SC’s history and legacy.

It added that AF Payments, Inc. will release SC-themed beep cards to promote public awareness of the Judiciary. These will be available to the public, with complimentary cards distributed to SC employees.

The SC said it will also open the SC Gift Shop at the SC Main Building, offering official merchandise such as apparel, accessories, drinkware, and stationery, including special 125th anniversary items.

Another highlight is the launch of the Model SC, an educational program for senior high school students inspired by Model United Nations. It will simulate oral arguments on public interest cases and demonstrate how SC decisions are communicated through press briefings. For its inaugural run, participants will come from Manila Science High School, taking on roles such as justices, counsel, amici curiae (friends of the court), SC spokesperson, and media representatives.

On June 11, Chief Justice Gesmundo will lead a whole-day anniversary celebration at the SC Quadrangle in Manila, attended by incumbent and retired Justices, court officials, and employees.