CJ Sereno Congratules 2012 Judicial Excellence Award Winners

By Pauline Francisco

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Sereno acknowledged the winners of the 2012 Judicial Excellence Awards (JEA) at the awarding ceremonies last September 24, 2012 in the Manila Hotel.

“I commend you, I salute you as modern-day heroes,” she said.

The following were recognized by the Supreme Court in coordination with the Society for Judicial Excellence for their outstanding performance as judges and clerk of court.

Judge Maria Theresa Dolores C. Estoesta as the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Awardee, Judge Geraldine C. Macaraig as the Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Awardee, Judge Gregorio V. Dela Peña as the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Awardee, Judge Emily L. Gito as the Don Antonio P. Madrigal Awardee and Atty. Maria Christine A. Bernarte as the lone recipient of the Outstanding Branch Clerk of Court for the Second Level Courts.

In her speech Sereno called upon the awardees “to share my vision of an excellent and accountable Judiciary.”

She also expressed the move to help restore the public’s trust and confidence in the Judiciary saying that it is possible by establishing “a more professionalized Judiciary” and by practicing “stability, predictability and responsiveness” in their decisions.  

Judge Estoesta, on behalf of the awardees, said that she believes in being a servant first than a leader. According to her, being able to work each day and affect lives are already rewards; to be given recognition is a bonus.

“We will not let a single day pass without reaffirming our personal convictions for work ethics,” she added.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, with other board of judges chaired the screening for this year’s Judicial Excellence Award. Out of 85 nominees, only 11 made it to the shortlist.