President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminded nearly 160 newly appointed judges that their rulings could shape the lives of millions of Filipinos, urging them to look beyond legal technicalities and consider the wider consequences of their decisions.

“We hold the fate of so many in our hands. We must go a step beyond just what is the letter of the law, what is the letter of the administration rules or government rules, for that matter,” Marcos said during a gathering for first- and second-level court judges on Monday.

“We must always remind ourselves that the decisions that we make affect not only those who are appearing before us, but they are laying precedent for the lives of millions of people,” he added.

Marcos said judges must consider not only the immediate parties in a case but also how their rulings could set precedents for others facing similar circumstances in the future.

He acknowledged the weight of such responsibility, saying decisions must account for their practical effects on people’s lives rather than be treated solely as exercises in applying rules.

The President also urged the judges to take time to reflect before making big decisions, sharing his “three-minute rule” — take time to weigh the issue and never rely solely on one’s first instinct.

He said decision makers should ask whether a rule or course of action would work in practice and whether it would set the right direction for those who would follow.

Marcos congratulated the nearly 160 judges on their appointments and expressed confidence in their judgment, urging them to uphold integrity, impartiality and accountability in dispensing justice.

He also stressed the importance of due process and equal access to justice for every Filipino.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted the judges at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace. (PNA)