Asean chief justices meet in Mactan today

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court is set to host the 11th meeting of the Council of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Chief Justices (CACJ) in Mactan island in Cebu starting today until Nov. 21.

The high-level meeting will bring together chief justices and senior judiciary officials from Asean member states to discuss judicial cooperation and regional initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Among the topics to be discussed are cross-border disputes involving children; facilitating service of civil processes within Asean; case management and court technology; conduct of videoconference hearings; and judicial training and education, according to the Supreme Court Public Information Office.

On Nov. 19, the CACJ Philippines Publications will be launched, showcasing resources on judicial collaboration and legal development across Asean.

The opening session on Nov. 20 will feature a speech by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, as well as of the Asean deputy secretary general and the chief justices and heads of delegation of the other Asean member states.

Gala dinner

This will be followed by a gala dinner featuring individual country presentations that “celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the different member states,” which will be held to honor the Asean chief justices and other dignitaries in attendance.

The CACJ started from the inaugural Asean Chief Justices Meeting held on Aug. 23, 2013.

It provides a regular forum for the chief justices to discuss and exchange views on common issues facing the Asean judiciaries.

“The CACJ also serves as a platform to promote close relations and build mutual understanding among the Asean judiciaries,” the Supreme Court said.