CJ Sereno Congratules 2012 Judicial Excellence Award Winners

By Pauline Francisco

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Sereno acknowledged the winners of the 2012 Judicial Excellence Awards (JEA) at the awarding ceremonies last September 24, 2012 in the Manila Hotel.

“I commend you, I salute you as modern-day heroes,” she said.

The following were recognized by the Supreme Court in coordination with the Society for Judicial Excellence for their outstanding performance as judges and clerk of court.

Judge Maria Theresa Dolores C. Estoesta as the Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano Awardee, Judge Geraldine C. Macaraig as the Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Awardee, Judge Gregorio V. Dela Peña as the Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Awardee, Judge Emily L. Gito as the Don Antonio P. Madrigal Awardee and Atty. Maria Christine A. Bernarte as the lone recipient of the Outstanding Branch Clerk of Court for the Second Level Courts.

In her speech Sereno called upon the awardees “to share my vision of an excellent and accountable Judiciary.”

She also expressed the move to help restore the public’s trust and confidence in the Judiciary saying that it is possible by establishing “a more professionalized Judiciary” and by practicing “stability, predictability and responsiveness” in their decisions.  

Judge Estoesta, on behalf of the awardees, said that she believes in being a servant first than a leader. According to her, being able to work each day and affect lives are already rewards; to be given recognition is a bonus.

“We will not let a single day pass without reaffirming our personal convictions for work ethics,” she added.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, with other board of judges chaired the screening for this year’s Judicial Excellence Award. Out of 85 nominees, only 11 made it to the shortlist.

Lim repeals application form fees

by Paula Arriola

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered to abolish the ordinance charging fees on application forms from business and occupation applicants in the city of Manila.

Lim commanded Bureau of Permits Assistant Director Senen Tomada to stop the collection of P15.00 fee from every applicant.

“It (ordinance) was enacted on May 29, 2000. It was passed by the previous Mayor. I didn’t know about the said charging (of application forms),” Mayor Lim said in Filipino in a press release by the Manila City Hall.

Lim knew about the fee charged on application forms after a series of complaints reached his office on September 9.

“I will make communication to repeal the ordinance. It would be unfair to immediately charge prospective applicants,” said Lim.

According to Tomada, the fee for application forms was in accordance with Ordinances No. 7718 and its amendatory measure, Ordinance No. 7996, signed by former Mayor Jose L. Atienza.

Applicants were charged during initial applications only. Although it is part of the city’s overall revenue, collected amounts were used for the purchase and printing of the forms.

Based from the receipts issued to applicants, an estimated P200,000 is collected every year.

According to Lim, the city government will shoulder the printing expenses of application forms after the abolishment of the ordinance.