‘Accidental CJ’ Lucas Bersamin seeks colleagues’ support

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin yesterday asked court officials and personnel to help him in reforming the judiciary.

In his first flag-raising ceremony as Supreme Court (SC) chief, Bersamin said he intends to address perennial problems in courts, but stressed that he would need the cooperation of court workers.

“I have no promise to you except that I will continue to serve with all sincerity in my heart. I intend also to address our persistent problems in the lower courts,” he told SC justices, officials and employees.

“I ask you to welcome me, to love me, to support me, to help me in my 11 months. It’s just a short period so just bear with me,” Bersamin appealed.

The new Chief Justice was greeted by a big banner and colorful balloons during his first flag-raising ceremony after his appointment by President Duterte last week in place of retired chief justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro.

Bersamin branded himself as an “accidental chief justice,” recognizing that he is not the most senior among the justices and many court personnel were expecting someone else to be appointed.

“I know that you have expected maybe another individual to be appointed to this office. I am not apologizing for myself, I am not apologizing for the President. I am here because I was appointed, so that should stop all speculations from within and without regarding whether (Bersamin) deserves to be chief justice or not,” he stressed.

“There may be someone more senior than me now sitting in the court, but at age 69, I can look back and tell you that I have 32 years behind me in this business,” the SC chief explained.

While Bersamin did not name names, he was obviously referring to Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who was bypassed for the chief justice post for the second time.

Carpio is the most senior member of the SC, having been appointed as associate justice in 2001. But Bersamin is the longest serving magistrate in the SC, with 32 years of experience in the courts or since 1986.

Carpio was not present during the flag-raising ceremony.

After addressing the seniority issue, Bersamin asked court personnel to move forward and just help him “put up a good image of the judiciary.”

“We shouldn’t think of the past anymore because that’s irrelevant already. This is a new beginning, I will have continuity,” he said. 

The new Chief Justice said he plans to implement reforms in the judiciary, including the ban on mobile phone use among court personnel during office hours.

“Let us avoid using cell phones while on duty. It’s shameful. Cell phones cannot sustain our living. I want to bring back the use of telephones and confiscate cell phones. This may be petty, but it’s a good start,” he told court workers.

He said the image of the judiciary and perception of the SC from the lower courts also remain to be a serious concern that should be addressed.

“The biggest problem is the misconception that the SC doesn’t care about lower courts and I’d like to correct that,” he vowed.

Bersamin said he will soon meet judges, officials of the Philippine Judicial Academy, members of the Judicial and Bar Council, employees’ associations and other officers of the judiciary to discuss other reforms.