Mandaue honors RTC judge on her promotion

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government honored newly promoted Justice Marilyn Lagura-Yap during the “Kick-off ceremony of the women’s month” at the city hall grounds yesterday morning.

A framed copy of the city council’s resolution congratulating and citing her for her “untarnished record” in the judiciary was handed to her by Mayor Jonas Cortes, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, and the members of the city council.

“Whereas, for 27 years in the judiciary, wherein 19 years of which were spent in the City of Mandaue, she has served with integrity, competence and untarnished record, bringing her up to a very meritorious promotion as an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals,” the resolution said.

Yap started as research attorney and branch clerk of court from 1985 to 1989, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor from 1990 to 1992, Assistant City Prosecutor from 1993 to 1999, and Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 28 stationed in Mandaue City from 2002 to 2012.

According to the council, Yap’s promotion is well-deserved for her exemplary service in the judiciary.

Yap, in an interview, said she feels “nostalgic” in leaving Mandaue, adding that although she is under the national government and resides in Cebu City she is “still part of Mandaue City.”

Yap still awaits her final assignment for the Court of Appeals either in Cebu City or Cagayan de Oro City.

Yap, whose landmark decision was the conviction of the accused in the “shabu 11” case, also emphasized the need to increase the number of courts in Mandaue as she cited the readiness of the local government unit of Mandaue to extend full support in terms of infrastructure requirement.

Female employees of the Mandaue City government enjoyed a half-day holiday yesterday afternoon in light of the kickoff celebration of the women’s month.

Mayor Jonas Cortes ordered a half-day holiday as a gesture of support to the celebration of women’s month and give more than 200 female employees a chance to avail of the various services offered during the opening program.

The one-month celebration carries the theme “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability.”

During the opening day, various services set up by the Mandaue Women Federation in coordination with the city government included free medical check-up, affordable native products, among others.