SC to judges: No gambling after confab

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered judges nationwide to avoid gambling when their annual three-day convention at a casino-filled venue in Pasay City ends today.

Through Circular No. 231-2015, the SC’s Office of the Court Administrator reminded participants in the annual convention of the Philippine Judges Association (PJA) of Section 14 (4) (a) of Presidential Decree 1869, which prohibits government officials from playing in casinos.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez also cited the SC’s Circular No. 4 issued in August 1980, which specifically enjoined judges and court personnel “from playing in or being present in gambling casinos.”

The SC official also cited the Canons of Judicial Ethics, which states that “a judge’s official conduct should be free from the appearance of impropriety, and his personal behavior, not only upon the bench and in the performance of judicial duties, but also in his everyday life, should be beyond reproach.”

Marquez issued the directive considering that the convention is being held at the Marriott Hotel, which is inside the Newport City Complex – a known haven for casino gamblers.

The PJA is the biggest organization of judges in the country, with over 2,000 members.