Cebu gets mobile court from SC

CEBU, Philippines - Following request from the Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) Center at the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice, a mobile court from the Supreme Court arrived last Tuesday.

An officer of CAM told the media that after the October 15 earthquake, mediation head Carmela Cuizon sent a letter to Justice on Wheels (JOW) to request for a mobile court.

He said the mobile court will be used as a mediation center for all courts in Cebu province.

Another two mobile courts were seen parked in front of the Hall of Justice but the CAM officer said these two were intended for Guihulngan, Negros Oriental and Tacloban City.

Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge Soliver Peras told the media that he has no idea of the presence of the two mobile courts in the vicinity of the Hall of Justice.

But he said it was mentioned when Court Administrator Midas Marquez visited Cebu earlier.

“I hope anhi na diri ibutang pero ang Tacloban also needed it,” he said.

The mobile courts arrived at 5:40 p.m. and 10 p.m.

RTC Judge Mienrado Paredes told the media that he only noticed the mobile courts early yesterday.

“Karun pa ko kakita. Maayo nga anhi ang mobile courts kay naay mga judges nga way tolda and probably comfortable sa mobile court kay aircon man… maayo nga naa na,” he said, adding he has no idea who requested for the mobile courts.

If the mobile courts are intended for the judges, he said they will no longer have to go to jail just to hear cases.

Mobile courts, known as Enhanced Justice on Wheels program of the Supreme Court, were launched to expedite the disposition of cases. — (FREEMAN)