Judge addresses letter against him

CEBU - Municipal Trial Court in Cities Executive Judge Oscar Andrino yesterday answered allegations thrown against him through a poison pen letter circulated inside the Regional Trial Court.

Stated in the letter addressed to the media were accusations that during a flag retreat at the RTC grounds, his gun fell to the ground. The said gun was allegedly wrapped in a newspaper instead of a holster to avoid accidents, according to the letter.

Andrino, in an interview with the media, admitted he once brought a licensed gun with him one Friday, although he can no longer recall the exact date. Andrino said that he was bringing it to get it fixed.

“I was bringing that kay naguba unya wala to’y bala mao tong ako lang giputos og newspaper ako man tong ipaayo, it fell pagsaka nako sa hagdanan,” he said.

Andrino also denied accusations that he drinks with his male staff inside his chambers, saying that no one is allowed to enter his chamber while he is working.

The letter also stated that a lot of MTCC court employees are angry at him because of his 30-minute gap policy in the punching in and out of Daily Time Record cards.

Andrino said that the said policy has already been agreed by the employees during a meeting called for the matter.

“Dili na nako problema kung masuko sila if there is strict observance of the office hours, this is to ensure that all MTCC employees are in work for that day. Gawas sa Bundy Clock, they are to sign also the registry book,” he added.

The also letter stated that Andrino prohibits the wearing of denim pants among his court employees but he does not call the attention of his branch Clerk of Court Josefina Uy, whom the letter describes as always wearing jeans.

Andrino said he suspects one of his employees inside the Office of the Clerk of Court penned the letter, but OCC employees denied having anything to do with the letter. — Jasmin R. Uy /BRP (THE FREEMAN)