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05 Foreword PDF
05 Foreword PDF
Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., in the Foreword, called the launch a
“historic event’ and dubbed the book the “Judicial Bible for Philippine Judges.”
Ambassador John Buckley noted, in the Preface, that the book “was designed to
enhance the efficiency, accountability and transparency of the Philippine
Judiciary and I believe it will most certainly contribute to the achievement of good
governance in the judicial system”. PHILJA Chancellor Justice Ameurfina A.
Melencio Herrera, however, cautioned that the book “is not a magical answer, or
sorcerer’s tome. It must be used – often and well!”
Intended and used as the primary reference for judges, the book has
essentially guided judges in research, decision-making and proper management
of cases in their respective courts. While still useful, it no longer commands the
authoritative character it had for the reason that it has never been revised or
given the necessary updates on supervening legislation, jurisprudence and
Supreme Court issuances.
Fortunately, on May 19, 2009, then Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, rising
to the challenge, approved that the savings from the PHILJA training funds for
the Y2008 be utilized to cover the costs for the Benchbook Revision Project.
Justice Azcuna followed this with “What makes a great judge?” The
answer: one who is able to perceptively see beyond the narrow issues of a
particular dispute and render judgment that embeds universal principles to
provide guidance for human conduct that will strengthen the rule of law and good
governance.
With this thought, the Committee decided that the Benchbook will be
designed for use by trial court judges so that each of them who thoughtfully and
conscientiously use it can be, at the minimum, a “good judge”. And, more
importantly, can be inspired and motivated to become a “great judge”.
ALFREDO F. TADIAR
Project Director & Editor-in-Chief