THE ACADEMY

_____Under the leadership of Chief Justice Andres R. Narvasa, the Academy was originally created by the Supreme Court (Administrative Order No. 35-96 on March 16, 1996), and finally mandated by R. A. 8557 on February 26, 1998. This law institutionalized PHILJA as a "training school for justices, judges, court personnel, lawyers and aspirants to judicial posts."

_____The programs of the Academy enjoy the patronage and support of the Court. Participation of the judges is also guaranteed. In fact, no appointee to the Bench may commence the discharge of his adjudicative functions without completing the prescribed courses of the Academy. The Judicial and Bar Council, constitutionally tasked with recommending appointments to the Judiciary and promotions, is also directed by law to consider the participation of prospective judges in the programs of the Academy.

_____The Academy plays a vital role in ensuring judicial competence and efficiency through continuing judicial education. Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. sees it as "the [Supreme] Court's implementing arm and the nation's watchdog in the pursuit of excellence in the Judiciary." (Keynote Address delivered at the Third Appellate Justices Conference, on 28 January 1999, Session Hall, Court of Appeals, Manila.)

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