Complaints greet “No ID” policy

CEBU, Philippines - Various complaints greeted the first day of the “No ID, No Entry” policy at the Marcelo B. Fernan Hall of Justice yesterday.

It took litigants and visitors at least 30 minutes to enter the courthouse because of the strict security measures following last week's shooting rampage by a Canadian national.

The new policy adopted by the court created a long line of people outside the Palace of Justice because of lack of security personnel.

Although there were three entrances to the courthouse, only one door was opened for lack of security personnel.

The logbook requirement for those entering the building also caused the delay, creating a long queue of visitors and litigants outside.

In fact, the long line reached as far as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines building, located some 200 meters away from the courthouse's main door.

Benzie Matillano, a traffic aide, said he waited for 30 minutes before he finally entered the palace.

He was supposed to attend a court hearing at 8:30 a.m. but because of the strict security measures he came to the hearing late.

The judge however considered his being late because of the situation.

Among those who endured the long queue was Macario Patindol.

 Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Macaundas Hadjirasul, who chairs the committee on security at the palace of justice, decided to suspend the logbook requirement for all those who can present valid identification cards.

Only those who have no IDs were required to write their names in the logbook.

But while the logbook requirement was suspended, body frisking and thorough inspection of bags were strictly implemented.

On top of the security measures implemented at the main entrance, separate security measures are also adopted in different sala.

Hadjirasul said he will discuss with Executive Judge Silvestre Maamo what will be the policy for the senior citizens and persons with disability.

The strict security at the court stemmed from the shooting incident last week in which Canadian national John Pope shot to death Dr. Rene Rafols and his lawyer, Jubian Achas.

Pope also shot assistant city prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño, who is now recovering at the Chong Hua Hospital.

He died at the hospital after he shot himself in the head. —/FPL (FREEMAN)