Amidst failed expectations from the two branches of the government, the courts are called upon to be activists, to be vigilant, to uphold the rule of law while protecting the rights of the people. This is the power vested upon the judges by the Constitution and a sacred duty they must not evade. When the people clamor for reform and genuine change, the court has to step into its rightful role of being the protector and adjudicator of rights.

        Since the trial judges are at the forefront in the administration of justice, they are enjoined to be vigilant and to have the moral courage to do what is right and what is just. They must always bear in mind that in every stroke of a pen is an opportunity towards the betterment of the Filipino people

        The Philippine Trial Judges League Inc. in coordination with the Supreme Court and the Philippine Judicial Academy held the 15th national Convention/Seminar on November 27-29, 2008 at the Seraph Hotel, Boracay Island with the theme: “Judicial Activism Towards Protecting the Weak while Staying Faithful to the Rule of law”.

        Eighteen out of the twenty-two trial judges of Camarines Sur attended the said annual convention. They are Hon. Dominado A. Agor of MTC Bato, Hon. Salvador M. Occiano of MTC Balatan, Hon. Maria Carmela Ng Pee Mendiola of MTC Bombon, Hon. Benhard B. Beltran of MTC Buhi, Hon. Renato P. Marpuri of MTC Bula, Hon. Jorge John Aganan of MTC Caramoan, Hon. Ramon V. Efondo of MTC Goa, Hon. Ricky C. Begino of MTC Lagonoy, Hon.Elsa A. Mampo of MTC Minalabac, Hon. Manuel E. Contreras of MTC Ocampo, Hon. Eli C. Posugac of MTC Siruma, and Cresencio l. Cortes, Jr. of MTC Tinambac. Hon. Sarina Rosa G. Co of MCTC Ragay-Del Gallego, Hon. Jose P. Ventajar of MCTC Sipocot-Lupi, Hon. Juan Antonio G. Cereno of MCTC Libmanan-Cabusao, Hon. Laurencio A. Puto of MCTC Camaligan-Gainza-Milaor, Hon.Orlando A. Martizano of MCTC Tigaon-Sangay, and Angel A. Tadeo of MCTC-San Jose-Presentacion.

        The three-day gathering discussed among other things, ways of strengthening further the Philippine Judicial system and preserving the integrity of the first-level courts. In the message of Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno he stated that the courts are beset with institutional, administrative problems calling for out-of-the-box solutions amidst the arrow of public cynicism that only adds to the cumbersome tasks.

        “With the Supreme Court’s leadership, steps have been taken to address delays in the resolutions of cases, erroneous decisions, lack of information, negative public perception, and other barriers to access to justice by the poor. These efforts have led to such initiatives such as the institutionalization of court-annexed mediation, and the designation of small claims courts.” Chief Justice Puno added.

        On the other hand, Court Administrator Jose P. Perez explains, “While judicial activism is the hallmark of the independence that insulates it from political and various forms of pressures, influences and other unwelcome interferences, the Supreme Court works within the realm of the rule of law, due process, justice, and fairness.”

        On the first day the sessions included Court Management that aimed to enhance the judges’ administrative and management skills, & an update on the current legal issues and the recent decisions involving the Rule on Summary Procedures.

        The second day sessions included Rules of procedure in Small Claims Cases followed by a workshop, and Delegated Jurisdiction in Cadastral Proceedings and Land Registration cases. These were followed by sessions on Jurisdiction of First Level Courts in Real Action and Techniques in Decision Writing. The conference ended with a dialogue of the trial judges with Court Administrator Jose P. Perez. Joey Co