From Capitol Compound, Officials mull transfer of courts

CEBU, Philippines - An evacuation plan is underway after officials of the local judicial offices agreed with the opinion of city authorities that they could no longer return to Palace of Justice building at the Capitol Compound after the earthquake.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama personally visited the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice yesterday to look the real situation of the building.

"I am not happy with what I saw during our inspection at the Palace especially seeing that some people are still inside holding offices," Rama told reporters.

The mayor feared that continuing tremors might endanger the lives of the employees and officials, hence, he called for an emergency meeting with the judicial officials to discuss how to address the concern of Palace of Justice building being badly battered by the 7.2 magnitude October 15 earthquake.

Rama suggested that for the safety of the court employees and for the people, the offices of the Hall of Justice will be temporarily transferred to the abandoned building of Cebu Eastern College (CEC) located at D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.

The said building according to Rama was declared safe and sound by the engineering’s office.

Along with Regional Trial Court executive judge Soliver Peras, Rama went to the CEC to check.

Peras however, said that they will wait for the decision of the Supreme Court.

Today, Supreme Court Administrator Jose Maidas Marquez is also set to visit the Palace of Justice.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office is currently plotting the evacuation plan and on how to go about the transfer of documents and office furnishings said its head, Simeon Romarate.

The evacuation plan will further be finalized upon today's arrival of Marquez who will discuss with judiciary and city government officials the planned transfer so that the courts can normally operate.

Cebu City Engineer Kenneth Enriquez and consultant Structural Engineer Ariel Dela Cruz discussed the results of the assessment which showed that the Palace of Justice is unfit for occupancy.

The Regional Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Office of the City     Prosecutor, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Public Attorney's Office occupy the building.

"The officials listened and were enlightened by the simplified explanation of both Engr. Enriquez and Engr. Dela Cruz. Then, they agreed that it is no longer safe for them to return to the building due to the major structural damage it has incurred," Romarate said.

Meanwhile, Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane said that they are also scouting for a place that will serve as temporary office of the prosecutors.—(FREEMAN)