MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has allayed fears of retrenchment among court sheriffs amid the rollout of digital innovations in the judiciary, assuring them that no one would be left behind in the high court’s implementation of reforms.
Speaking before 800 court sheriffs last week, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the SC was aware of the concerns of downsizing and layoffs among sheriffs, but assured them that they would remain relevant and protected under the court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation 2022-2027 (SPJI).
Court sheriffs, appointed by first- and second-level courts, are tasked with maintaining peace and order within courthouses, executing court orders and serving court summons and subpoenas.
With the SC pushing for digital reforms such as digital submission of pleadings and court transcriptions powered by artificial intelligence, among others, concerns about retrenchment among court personnel – from stenographers to sheriffs – emerged.
“Again, let me be clear: When we talk of pushing the judiciary forward through innovation, we mean exactly that – to propel the judiciary, in its entirety, forward. That means bringing everyone, including our court sheriffs, in tow. In short: in SPJI, we will make sure no one gets left behind,” Gesmundo said.
Aside from this, the Chief Justice also acknowledged the challenges faced by sheriffs and said the SC is currently focused on empowering all court personnel by providing the tools they need “not only to function but to excel to deliver the kind of justice our people deserve.”