[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 4-91, May 31, 1991 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 4-91, May 31, 1991 ]

[ SC CIRCULAR NO. 4-91, May 31, 1991 ]

OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR

TO:

ALL JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS AND THE SANDIGANBAYAN, JUDGES OF THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS, REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS, SHARI'A COURTS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PERSONNEL

SUBJECT: LETTER-COMPLAINT AGAINST SOLICITATIONS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS BY COURT PERSONNEL

It has been brought to the attention of this Office that there is a "deluge of solicitations for contributions from court personnel". One of the letters complaining of such solicitations is the following:

"The Court Administrator Supreme Court Manila

Sir:

This is a letter of appeal for the Supreme Court to kindly investigate discreetly and put a stop to a deluge of . solicitations for contributions from, court personnel in practically all the court, s In Metro Manila.

Without imposing, much less showing disrespect, the Supreme Court can easily verify that court personnel in Metro Manila usually request litigants and lawyers for contributions in connection with fund raising projects of barangays, raffles and support for team financial needs in athletic tournaments being conducted by the courts. All these contributions are necessarily shouldered by litigants.

It is in the light of the foregoing prevailing practices that the court is asked to put a stop to these solicitations.

A CONCERNED TAX PAYER"

Henceforth, all personnel of the lower courts under administrative supervision of the Office of the Court Administrator are strictly enjoined from making any form solicitation for contributions as it is strictly prohibit by law.

Consequently, all those found soliciting for and/or receiving contributions, in cash or in kind, from any person, whether or not ;a litigant or lawyer, will be deal with severely in accordance with the sanctions prescribed law.

May 31, 1991

(SGD.) JOSUE N. BELLOSILLO

Court Administrator