In a significant leadership transition, Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo was elected as the new chair of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) during its 11th meeting held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The election took place on November 20, 2024, at the Shangri-La Mactan, marking a pivotal moment for the council established in 2013.
The outgoing chair, Malaysian Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Binti Tuan Mat, nominated Gesmundo for the position, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the council to new heights. Gesmundo, who becomes the seventh chair of the CACJ, will serve until the next ordinary meeting when a new chief justice is elected.
In her remarks, Tuan Mat highlighted the importance of unity and the strong bonds among the ASEAN chief justices, which she believes will continue to drive the council forward under Gesmundo’s leadership. She emphasized the council’s role as a beacon of justice and a catalyst for change in the region.
Upon accepting the chairmanship, Gesmundo expressed gratitude to his fellow ASEAN chief justices for entrusting him with this significant role. He acknowledged the challenges facing judiciaries across the region and stressed the need for openness to change and transformation to meet the evolving needs of their societies.
Gesmundo underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among ASEAN judiciaries to address common issues and enhance judicial practices. He believes that such cooperation will not only strengthen the network but also contribute to regional stability and economic security.
The CACJ, initially known as the ASEAN Chief Justices Meeting, comprises the chief justices from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The council’s charter aims to bolster democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the ASEAN region through judicial cooperation and understanding.