Palace of Justice eases dress code on visitors

Cebu - Visitors wearing slippers may now enter the Palace of Justice, Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles told reporters yesterday.

Ingles, the official liaison officer of the RTC, said they have already revised some of the rules in the proper attire in the court, but said tighter security will still be implemented.

“There will still be no relaxation on the part of the guards to secure the building,” Ingles told reporters.

In allowing entry to visitors in slippers, regional Trial Court Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes said he wanted to make the Palace of Justice accessible to the poor.

After he was appointed to the position by the Supreme Court, Paredes said he wanted the security to be more courteous in dealing with visitors, especially the poor.

But he clarified that court employees are not covered by the new policy because they have a dress code to follow.

Paredes was appointed executive judge by the High Tribunal last month to replace acting executive judge Silvestre Maamo Jr., who was appointed as first vice executive judge.

Judge Soliver Peras was also appointed second vice executive judge.

On assuming the post, Paredes said he will make necessary improvements at the Palace of Justice.

He said he will listen to suggestions from fellow judges, court employees and other sectors in making the improvements. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)