COURTESY: Supreme Court of the PhilippinesThe judiciary plays a pivotal role in the preservation of justice and the upholding of the rule of law. Integral to this institution are the judges and justices who bear the unparalleled responsibility of interpreting laws and deciding cases that affect lives and liberties. On two momentous occasions in April 2025, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo swore in two new Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justices, Edilwasif T. Baddiri and Jeoffre Willkom Acebido. Their appointments mark significant milestones in their illustrious careers and signal new chapters in the legal and judicial landscape of the Philippines.
Both Justices bring diverse and rich experiences to the appellate court, strengthening the judiciary's capability to address complex cases with discernment and impartiality. This blog post delves deep into their professional journeys, achievements, and the critical significance of their appointments.
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A Historic Day: The Appointment of Two CA Associate Justices
On February 24, 2025, Justices Edilwasif T. Baddiri and Jeoffre Willkom Acebido were appointed to the Court of Appeals. Their formal oath-taking ceremonies, presided over by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, took place at the Supreme Court in Manila on April 11 and April 14, respectively.
Justice Baddiri’s appointment fills the vacancy left by retired CA Justice Edwin D. Sorongon. A legal luminary with years of experience in the judiciary and public service, Justice Baddiri previously held the esteemed role of Presiding Judge of Branch 115, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Pasay City, from 2015 to 2023. Later, he served as Executive Judge of the RTC in Pasay City. His contributions as Commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos from 2010 to 2015 underscored his commitment to addressing the unique legal and cultural needs of minority communities in the Philippines.
Justice Acebido, on the other hand, takes over the post vacated by retired CA Justice Victoria Isabel A. Paredes. Prior to his appointment, Justice Acebido served as Presiding Judge of Branch 41, RTC, Cagayan de Oro. With 16 fruitful years on the bench, his dedication to judicial excellence earned him the prestigious Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Award. Earlier in his career, he served the country in various capacities—as a prosecutor, Public Attorney, and senior legal officer at the Commission on Human Rights. His multifaceted legal background uniquely equips him to tackle the complexities of appellate court cases.
These appointments highlight the judiciary’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusivity, bringing seasoned professionals to the fore as arbiters of justice.
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Justice Baddiri: A Career Marked by Dedication and Advocacy
Justice Edilwasif T. Baddiri’s career trajectory reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and advocacy for marginalized communities. His academic and professional journeys have been guided by a clear vision: to make the justice system more inclusive and equitable.
Prior to joining the appellate court, Justice Baddiri’s role as Presiding Judge and, subsequently, Executive Judge of the RTC in Pasay City was marked by his decisive and impartial handling of cases. In both positions, he maintained the highest standards of judicial decorum, ensuring that every litigant received their fair day in court. His leadership qualities emerged vividly during his tenure as Executive Judge, where he oversaw administrative matters with precision and foresight.
Additionally, Justice Baddiri’s service as Commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos further emphasized his dedication to advocating for underrepresented communities. As Commissioner, he worked tirelessly to uphold cultural integrity within the framework of national law. This unique blend of judicial and community service makes Justice Baddiri a formidable addition to the Court of Appeals.
Looking ahead, his deep understanding of cultural diversity in the Philippines positions him as a key advocate for ensuring that the judiciary remains responsive to the needs of minorities. This commitment extends to tackling sensitive cases involving cultural, religious, and human rights matters—areas where his expertise will undoubtedly shine.
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Justice Acebido: A Multifaceted Legal Professional
Justice Jeoffre Willkom Acebido brings to the appellate court a career defined by versatility, excellence, and unshakeable commitment to the law. His judicial journey began in earnest when he took on the role of prosecutor and Public Attorney—two foundational positions that provided him with a deep understanding of both advocacy and due process.
As Presiding Judge of Branch 41, RTC, Cagayan de Oro, Justice Acebido earned widespread respect and recognition for his meticulous approach to case resolution and his ability to navigate complex legal questions with calm and clarity. His 16-year tenure on the judiciary was crowned by his receipt of the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Award for Judicial Excellence, an honor that underscores his dedication to upholding integrity within the judiciary.
Justice Acebido’s time at the Commission on Human Rights also stands out. Serving as a senior legal officer during a critical phase of his career, he advanced important human rights initiatives and set a strong precedent for accountability and justice. These experiences, coupled with his judicial excellence, ensure that the Court of Appeals has gained an asset equipped to address multifaceted legal dilemmas involving administrative law, constitutional questions, and human rights advocacy.
With an eye toward contemporary legal challenges, Justice Acebido is certain to craft appellate court decisions with the rigor and clarity that have defined his career thus far. His multifaceted background provides a solid foundation for tackling intricate cases, ensuring that justice is delivered in both letter and spirit.
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The Role of the Court of Appeals in Shaping Jurisprudence
The Court of Appeals stands as a critical intermediary within the Philippine judicial system. Positioned immediately below the Supreme Court, the appellate court reviews decisions and rulings handed down by lower courts, including trial courts. Such a responsibility demands not only legal expertise but also keen discernment and integrity.
The appointments of Justices Edilwasif T. Baddiri and Jeoffre Willkom Acebido serve to magnify the appellate court’s capacity to handle increasingly complex cases. Their robust backgrounds will significantly contribute to the court’s ability to set precedents that shape Philippine jurisprudence.
More importantly, these appointments underscore the judiciary’s emphasis on diversity. With Justice Baddiri’s dedication to cultural advocacy and Justice Acebido’s breadth of legal experience—including human rights advocacy—the appellate court is better positioned to approach cases involving societal and human rights dilemmas with nuance and balance. This combination of perspectives fosters the creation of jurisprudence that is not only legally sound but also socially responsive.
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Concluding Thoughts: A Judiciary Poised for Progress
The swearing-in of Justices Edilwasif T. Baddiri and Jeoffre Willkom Acebido by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo epitomizes a significant moment in the Philippine judiciary. These accomplished legal professionals bring with them decades of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to upholding justice. As they take their places on the Court of Appeals, they carry forward legacies of judicial excellence while embracing the immense responsibilities entrusted to them.
Through their unique career journeys—marked by cultural advocacy, human rights work, and judicial achievement—both Justices are poised to enrich the appellate court’s capacity to address the evolving needs of the Philippines’ legal landscape. Their collective expertise heralds a future where justice transcends mere interpretation and embodies inclusivity, fairness, and progress.
As the judiciary continues to evolve, these appointments remind us of the importance of strengthening institutions with individuals who exhibit integrity, skill, and dedication. In Justice Baddiri and Justice Acebido, the Court of Appeals has undoubtedly gained two stalwarts who will champion justice for years to come.
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