RTCs suspend hearings at the Hall of Justice

CEBU, Philippines - There will be no hearings at the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) while the structural integrity of the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice is still being determined.

RTC Executive Judge Soliver Peras said that pending recommendation from engineers asked to inspect the whole Hall of Justice, holding of hearings are temporarily suspended.

He said they have to wait for the findings just in case it is learned that the whole place is already a danger to the lives of its occupants.

Court employees, though, are asked to report to the office.

Yesterday, a Supreme Court (SC) architect along with Cebu City engineers inspected the court salas and offices inside the Capitol Compound in Cebu City.

Architect Richard Nicolas said some parts of the Hall of Justice were severely damaged by last Tuesday’s earthquake.

In particular, the fourth floor, where the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) salas are located, looked unsafe because of the cracks. He, however, said the floor requires a thorough inspection by a structural engineer.

Nicolas also said the ground floor and the second floor were fine and can be used.

He said they would submit an inspection report for SC engineers to determine the extent of damage.

Engineer Lilibeth del Mar of the Cebu City Engineer’s Office said they discovered that most of the Hall of Justice’s roof framings were destroyed.

When asked if the building is still safe, del Mar said a structural engineer should be the one to answer the question.— /RHM (FREEMAN)