Over “unfair” benefits Court workers postpone silent protest

Regional Trial Court executive judge Fortunato de Gracia has successfully convinced the court workers in Cebu to suspend their scheduled silent protest tomorrow and instead submit their position paper before the Supreme Court about the reported unequal distribution of benefits for the judiciary workers first before any protest.

“Dili na madayon ang ilang gitakda nga silent protest.  Mipatuo sila nga dili maayo tan-awon nga moderitso lang sila og protesta batok sa Supreme Court nga wala usa mohimo og pormal nga reklamo,” De Gracia said.

Jeoffrey Joaquino, chief clerk of courts for the RTC, earlier said Cebu City court workers will hold a silent protest starting tomorrow and every Monday thereafter to protest against the “unfair” distribution of court employees’ benefits.

Although he failed to give the exact amount, Joaquino said: “Daku kaayo ang gap sa kantidad sa benefits nga gihatag ngadto sa mga empleyado sa Supreme Court ug Court of Appeals kon itandi sa mga kawani sa RTC ug Municipal Trial Court.”

A court worker said the lower court employees only receive about P10,000 worth of benefits a year, but their counterparts in the high-level courts receive up to P30,000.

A court worker here said the employees of the judiciary, whether those working for the lower and high courts, should receive the same benefits because they perform the same work.

Another bone of contention is the sharing of groceries given to court employees in December.

De Gracia said he understands the sentiments of the court employees but encouraged them to submit their formal position paper first before holding a protest against their own agency.

Joaquino assured that once the court workers eventually proceed with their planned protest, the usual court service will continue because the silent protest only entails wearing black clothes or armbands.  — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP