Judge holdscourt in jail

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Soliver Peras held trial at the Cebu City Jail yesterday, a month after the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice was declared unsafe to use.

With his staff, Peras went to the city jail to hear at least 15 cases, including the robbery case filed against Julius Racaza, 34, and Rameses Abatayo, 29.

Abatayo and Racaza were arrested in 2011 after Provincial Board Member Julian Daan and his wife, Yolly, reported that their jewelry worth P1.2 million was stolen inside their residence in Palm View Village, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

Yolly appeared at the jail yesterday for the hearing.

She told the media that it was a bit of a hassle on their part in going to city jail up in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City just to attend hearings, as the location is quite far from downtown.

“Lisod kaayo; samot na if wala tay kasakyan padulong dinhi.  Okay ra didto sa court unta kay duol raman (It is very, difficult, especially if you have ride going here.  It was okay at the Marcela Fernan Hall of Justice because it was just near),” she said.

She, however, expressed gratitude that at least there is now a development in their case.

Hermocelia Canghagas was presented yesterday for cross examination in her case. Yolly said their next hearing would be on December 9, 2013.

Superintendent Johnson Calub, Cebu City Jail warden, said Peras was the first judge who heard cases inside the facility after the Oct. 15 earthquake.

The hearing was conducted at the second floor of the jail’s Welfare and Development Building (WDB).

“Maka- accommodate mi diri og tulo ka mga (three) hearings.  Amo lang ning butangan og(We would just put a) divider if magdungan,” he said.

Calub said they were happy of the initiative of the court going in to the Cebu City Jail just to conduct a hearing.

“Nalipay;  at least man lang naglihok n.  Thank you sa initiative. Wala mi kadawat og reklamo nga dugay niiswag ang ilang kaso kay (We have no received any complaint, though, that there was no progress in their case because they) naka-understand man sila sa situation,” he said.

Aside from the hearing at the city jail, trials at makeshift courtrooms outside the Justice building still continue.

The Office of the Building Official has declared the Justice building unfit for occupancy.   (FREEMAN)