(The following is a news release from the Supreme Court of Guam):The Judiciary of Guam announces the election of Associate Justice Robert J. Torres as the next Chief Justice of Guam effective Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Torres was elected by his colleagues to succeed The Honorable F. Philip Carbullido, who will continue as Associate Justice of Guam’s highest court.
Outgoing Chief Justice Carbullido expressed his appreciation to the Judiciary employees for their commitment to the work of justice, undaunted by the challenges that defined a large part of his past term as the leader of this branch. “Apart from ensuring that our operations never faltered, my focus these last three years has been on improving the working conditions of our court employees – ensuring they have upgraded workstations, updated equipment, and the necessary tools to not only do their jobs, but to do them optimally. Providing them with a work environment that they look forward to coming into every day was an important priority for me, and I am proud that – despite COVID set-backs – we have made great strides in delivering on that promise.” Chief Justice Carbullido added, “I wish Chief Justice-elect Torres the best, and I stand ready to work with him for the good of the Judicial Branch and the work of justice.”
“Serving as Chief Justice again is an honor and tremendous responsibility,” said Chief Justice-elect Torres. “As we strive to support the growing needs of our island, I look forward to bolstering the Branch by improving access to justice, using innovation as our ally, and providing equity for our employees.”
The election marks Torres’s third term as the head of the Judiciary. Torres was named to the bench of the Supreme Court of Guam in 2004 and served as Chief Justice from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2014 to 2017.
Torres holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and was awarded two Doctor of Laws (LL.D.), Honoris Causa, from the University of Cebu and Centro Escolar University in the Philippines. He is a member of the American Judges Association’s Executive Committee and Board of Governors, serves as chair of the AJA’s Education Committee, and was recently honored as the 2022 recipient of the Judge William H. Burnett Award for outstanding service to the AJA. Torres is also the Membership Secretary for the National Asian Pacific American Judicial Council (“NAPAJC”), a membership organization of Asian Pacific American judges, and has served as Second Vice President for the Conference of Chief Justices.
“I realize the magnitude of challenges ahead, for both the Judiciary and the community,” added Torres. “Justice needs are increasing, but I am positive that with the dedicated minds of this great Branch, we will provide the highest quality of services and enhance public trust and confidence in our independent branch of government. Together, we will support the promotion of the rule of law, improve the administration of justice, and make Guam a model of judicial excellence.”
Torres will take the oath of office at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, in the Justice Monessa G. Lujan Appellate Court Room.
1 Comments
frank pangelinan
01/05/2023 at 11:31 AM
Congratulation chief justice Torres