Manglona sworn in as associate justice

Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona was sworn into office Friday as he emphasized the need to improve the judiciary’s relationship with the public.

During a ceremony held at the Guma Hustisia, Justice Manglona outlined several ways to boost the public’s trust confidence in the court.

According to the new associate justice, the judicial branch must encourage more visits to the courts by students to observe proceedings and reach out to schools, organize judiciary-media seminars to ensure accurate reporting to the public, and regular dialog between the bench and the bar association.

He also underscored the need for the court to accept gradual changes in the role of the judiciary to reinforce the system.

Justice Manglona, 41, also brushed aside comments that he has entered the “retirement center” when he ended his almost two years of service as associate judge in the Superior Court to join the three-man panel in the high tribunal.

Saying he is very thankful to be part of the Supreme Court, Justice Manglona noted their common objective to maintain a system of government, a system of justice based on the rule of law which must be applied properly in a community that tightly embraces its culture.

“I can say to this day that my fellow justices are fervently dedicated to a judiciary that weighs the conflict in law in impartial and popular manner and a judiciary that arrives at fair, well reasoned opinions. Our common objective is derived from our awareness that at the end of the day, we justices, as well as judges, need to ask ourselves whether we have kept the public’s trust and confidence,” he said.

Justice Manglona also recognized the friendship he shared with his former colleagues in the Superior Court who have helped him appreciate his job in the judiciary. He recalled the conversations he shared with them about their families and the island in general which have occasionally broken their silence and solitude.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said he is confident that Justice Manglona possesses all the attributes and qualifications to become a member of the highest court in the CNMI — distinguished record, special understanding of the local customs and traditions and knowledge to blend these ideas with intelligence, fairness and compassion.

Guam Supreme Court Chief Justice Benjamin B.F. Cruz said he is very proud that his former law clerk has been appointed to the highest tribunal as he expressed confidence on Justice Manglona’s capability and intelligence to assume the post.

Chief Justice Cruz admitted that he has lobbied strongly to the governor for the appointment of Justice Manglona, who also serves as special justice for the Guam Supreme Court.