PR-15-2023
24 June 2023, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A delegation from the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in collaboration with select members from the Ad-Hoc Committee for the Formulation of the Special Rules of Procedure on Anti-Terrorism Cases, visited Melbourne on 20-24 June 2023, as part of a broader project aimed at enhancing rule of law-based criminal justice responses to violent extremism. The 18-member delegation, led by the Chief Justice of the Philippines, Alexander G. Gesmundo, and Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, sought to understand the workings of the Australian criminal justice system and learn from its approaches and methodologies.
The delegation was welcomed with a special reception on 21 June 2023 organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, involving members from the Filipino Australian Lawyers Association (FALAW), an organization that promotes unity in diversity in the law profession, and promotion of Filipino-Australian interests.
During the event, the delegation was briefed on the local Filipino community and recent cultural initiatives, such as the 1-2-5 Harmonized Philippine Independence Celebrations. Chief Justice Gesmundo took the opportunity to stress to the Filipino-Australian legal community the importance of unity within Filipino diaspora, emphasizing the role the community plays in influencing beneficial policies in their host countries.
Through facilitating initiatives such as this, the Consulate General is committed to enhancing the country’s criminal justice system towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino community worldwide.
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