Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, together with Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, called for stronger international collaboration in maritime legal education and judicial training during their visit to the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden on July 18, 2025.
The visit is part of the SC’s ongoing efforts to improve the Philippines’ maritime justice system. In 2019, it issued the Rules of Procedure for Admiralty Cases to provide parties in cases in maritime disputes fast, reliable, and efficient access to Philippine courts. The Rules also aim to build judicial expertise in handling admiralty and maritime cases. Several Regional Trial Courts have since been designated as special admiralty courts.
Chief Justice Gesmundo emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to aligning Philippine maritime procedures with international standards. These reforms are part of the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), which includes improving access to maritime justice. They discussed potential partnerships on specialized training for Philippine judges, participation in WMU’s postgraduate programs, and technical support to modernize admiralty court systems.
WMU President Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., the first Filipino to lead the university, welcomed the delegation and introduced WMU’s academic programs. Professors Dr. Aref Fakhry, Dr. George Theocharidis, and Dr. María Carolina Romero Lares shared insights on emerging trends such as the use of digital evidence (e.g. electronic logs and satellite imagery) and virtual hybrid hearings to improve efficiency.
The experts also highlighted the growing use of alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration in maritime disputes, noting their flexibility, confidentiality, and potential for quicker and more cost-effective outcomes.
The visit also addressed reforms to the Philippine ship registry and ways to prevent fraudulent entries. WMU experts discussed international legal standards on flag state responsibilities and how courts can respond to modern challenges such as technology, climate change, and global regulations. They stressed that admiralty court jurisdiction is a dynamic field vital to protecting the Philippines’ maritime interests and the welfare of Filipino seafarers.
Chief Justice Gesmundo thanked WMU for its support and emphasized the importance of continued global collaboration to strengthen the Philippines’ admiralty court system.
Joining the Chief Justice and Justice Marquez were Atty. Antonio Ceasar R. Manila, Deputy Chief Justice Staff Head, and Atty. Anna Lea A. Barron, Court Attorney VI from the Office of Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao.
WMU is a global academic institution founded by the International Maritime Organization. It offers advanced and short-term programs in maritime law, governance, and policy, and promotes sustainable maritime development worldwide. (Press release courtesy of the SC Office of the Spokesperson)
Originally published by the Supreme Court Public Information Office.
