SC OKs leave for judges in typhoon-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court has given judges and court personnel in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda a calamity leave, SC spokesman Theodore Te said yesterday.

In a press conference, Te said members of the judiciary affected by the catastrophe have been given a two-week leave from Nov. 11 to Nov. 25. The high court has also approved the advanced release of their salaries until Nov. 30, he added.

The office order was signed by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno upon the recommendation of Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez. It covers judges and court personnel in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Palawan.

“The executive judges and judges in single sala courts in all affected areas are hereby required to submit their respective status reports of the conditions of their court personnel, halls of justice and court houses as soon as possible,” read the order.

Te said figures on the number of courts and judicial personnel affected by the calamity were still being consolidated as of yesterday.