Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has called on Filipinos to continue fighting poverty, corruption, abuse, and injustice as he delivered his final Independence Day message as head of the judiciary.

Speaking during the celebration of the country’s 128th Independence Day, Gesmundo said the struggle for genuine freedom remains unfinished despite the nation’s liberation from foreign rule.

He urged Filipinos to help build a society free from hunger, fear, corruption, oppression, and the absence of justice.

According to the Chief Justice, freedom becomes meaningful only when it leads to better lives and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Gesmundo also reminded the public that justice is not solely the responsibility of courts, judges, and lawyers but of every Filipino.

The Chief Justice is set to retire in November, ending his term as the country’s highest-ranking judicial official.IMT