Court employees’ group denies pro-impeachment mass leave plan

An umbrella organization of court employees across the country denied yesterday that its members will go on mass leave today to support the impeachment of Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

Leaders of 12 court employees associations under the Confederation of Court Employees Associations Inc. (PHILCONCEA) reiterated their support for Davide.

It discredited the Alliance of Court Employees Associations of the Philippines (ACEAP), which is reportedly leading the protest to press for higher pay.

Those who participate in the protest could face administrative sanctions, a government official said.

"We are strongly asking the employees not to go on mass leave," said Pedro Borja, assistant treasurer of the Philippine Association of Court Employees, reading his group’s prepared statement.

"Accordingly, we denounce in strongest terms the move of those who are pushing for the impeachment of the Chief Justice," another group, the Supreme Court Employees Association, said.

The ACEAP, led by Supreme Court employee Jose Dante Guerrero, is protesting Davide’s alleged misuse of a fund intended for allowances to judges and court personnel.

Davide is accused of withholding money from the Judiciary Development Fund to buy luxury cars and build and repair vacation homes for justices. He has denied the charges.

Citing a Civil Service Commission rule, Supreme Court administrator Presbeterio Velasco warned that "any form of mass action with the intent of disrupting government functions is prohibited."

At Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye called on court personnel to observe regulations and stage their protests during breaks so court business would not be disrupted.

"We are appealing to court employees for them not to express their sentiments and grievances in a way that would not affect the services of the court," he said.

Velasco said violators face suspension, lower productivity pay and loss of benefits. ACEAP has not exhausted "all administrative remedies" because it has yet to formally air its concerns to the Supreme Court, he added.

Judge Antonio Eugenio, president of the Manila Regional Trial Court Judges Association, warned protesters not to disrupt court proceedings.

"The employees have a right to take their leaves, but if it would disrupt court operations then they would be asked why they should not be cited for contempt," he said. — With Mayen Jaymalin