Siquijor solon’s bill seeks hike in clerks of court benefits

CEBU, Philippines — Representative Rav Rocamora (Siquijor-lone district) filed House Bill 7494 seeking to grant clerks of court similar retirement and survivorship benefits being received by public prosecutors and public defenders.

“When I was a prosecutor, I saw first-hand how hard the prosecutors, the public attorneys, and the clerks of court work,” Rocamora said. “These three types of lawyers are essential to the justice system. Unfortunately, the clerks seem to be viewed on a lower rank because they receive less when they retire.”

The clerk of court is responsible for the receipt of filed cases, collection of legal fees, raffling of cases, sending of court processes, receiving and safekeeping of evidences, and managing court supplies and equipment, among others.

In special family courts, the clerk also sits as the chairperson of the diversion committee for cases involving children in conflict with the law.

“It is only fair that the lawyer who ensures that the court runs smoothly is rewarded for his service. Without their service, our courts will come to a halt. Personally, this is my way of thanking all of our clerks of court for the difficult job they do,” Rocamora explained. (FREEMAN)