Lot ownership issue hinders improvements at Palace of Justice

CEBU, Philippines - Finding it a difficult task to go up and down the stairs of the four-story Palace of Justice building, judges had long time ago requested for an elevator.

But this, among other plans for physical improvement at the building, could not be granted because of issues on ownership of the lot on which the Marcelo Fernan Hall of Justice stands on.

Judge Mienrado Paredes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 said that they have long raised this matter, which have yet to be resolved.

“We actually took refuge to the Supreme Court about this issue but they always ‘noted’ it,” said Paredes.

Paredes disclosed that there was an allotted budget of P108 million for the improvement of the palace. But the money could not be spent unless the land title is in the name of the Supreme Court.

He said the lot was originally owned by the Cebu Provincial Government. During the time of former governor Lito Osmeña, it was donated to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The lot was later turned over by the DOJ to the Supreme Court.

According to Judge Paredes, there was a deed of donation but until now, the document could not be located.

Lawyer Alex Tolentino had raised the need for an elevator at the Palace of Justice.

“Every year we open it to the Supreme Court, verbally and in writing. There were times we raised it twice in a year,” Paredes said.

Paredes added that aside from the elevator, there is also a need for a clinic at the building. Its comfort rooms also need improvement to cater to the physically handicapped. Some courtrooms also have no airconditioning systems. — THE FREEMAN