Hall of justice renovation soon

CEBU, Philippines - Newly installed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has assured the court officials and employees in Cebu City that renovation and problem of lack of elevator of the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice is now being acted upon by the Supreme Court.

Sereno met with the judges and employees of the courts during her first visit to Cebu City since her appointment as Chief Justice.

A consultation was held wherein court officials and employees were given the chance to directly bring up their concerns to the chief magistrate.

Sereno said that the Supreme Court has already bid out the structural and engineering design for the renovation of the Palace of Justice as well as the elevator problem of the three-storey building.

Sereno’s announcement was welcomed by the court officials and employees.

RTC Branch 16 Judge Sylva Paderanga raised her concern over the lack of personnel. She said there are applications that are still pending before the Supreme Court.

Paderanga also raised the problem of supplies like bond paper and ink as well as lack of computers. Court Administrator Jose Maidas Marquez said the problem in Cebu City is only minor. He however asked for more time to address it.

Marquez said they have started the procurement of computers but it would take time.

He however assured that it would be addressed in due time.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old drug suspect Marc Aguhar was released yesterday after nine years in prison. He benefited the Justice on Wheels Program of the Supreme Court which Sereno has continued.

Aguhar, resident of T. Padilla, Cebu City, was acquitted of the crime for violation of Sections 11 and 12 of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for lack of sufficient evidence.

Since 2004, a total of 6,870 cases have been disposed through the Justice on Wheels.

According to Sereno, her flagship program is to decongest the court dockets and to expedite the disposition of cases. She also vowed to uphold judicial independence. —FPL (FREEMAN)