Clerks of court to get allowance from Capitol

CEBU, Philippines – The clerks of court of the Regional Trial Court in Cebu are set to receive a monthly allowance from the provincial government.

Of the 23 RTC clerks of court, 14 of them led by lawyer Consolacion Lape personally met Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to extend their request. Lape told reporters they did not set a fixed amount.

Garcia approved the request and said it will take effect this month for the 14 clerks of court who were present in the meeting yesterday. She said this also holds true for the rest of the clerks, but she wants to meet with them first.

"We will not exclude them. I just want to see them. Ang ako lang nga moanhi gyud nga makigkita," Garcia said.

Lape said that she will go with the rest to meet the governor as soon as they are available.

Garcia said that she understands the sentiment of the clerks of court who, like her mother, retired judge Esperanza Garcia, also experienced the same hardship in their work.

"Daghan trabaho but dili dako ang sweldo, overworked but underpaid," the governor said.

The provincial government extends a monthly allowances to court judges and prosecutors in the amount of P10,000. This prompted the clerks of court to ask for the same saying that they are also in the judiciary rendering service to constituents of the province.

Garcia is expecting better and efficient service to the constituents of the province with the assistance she is extending to the judiciary.

The governor has yet to discuss with the provincial budget officer as to the amount they can give to clerks of court starting this month, considering that it is almost the end of the year.

However, she assured that there are still funds available fund for this year.

When asked if the request has approval from the Supreme Court, Garcia said, "I don't know if it's prohibited, that is when it should be approved. But what is not prohibited does not need an approval." (FREEMAN)