Courts may still return to Palace of Justice

Judicial officials have not yet completely abandoned the possibility that the courthouses  would eventually return to the  Palace of Justice at  the Cebu Provincial Capitol compound.

This was revealed by Gov. Hilario Davide III, who said that Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno told him Thursday that they are still considering the use of the Palace of Justice  which the judiciary had forced to abandon after it was  declared unfit for occupancy because of the damage sustained after last year’s earthquake.

Davide said he briefed the visiting chief justice of the structural condition of the Palace of Justice.

The governor said Sereno wants a  certification from structural engineers before  the Supreme Court decides on whether to allow the courthouses to return to the Palace of Justice or stay at the Qimonda I.T. Center which is temporarily housing the courts or build new judicial complex at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Sereno was also informed of the Capitol’s plan to  retrofit the Palace for the use of  its offices should the High Court decide to build a new structure.

Earlier, court officials said that they have several options. They could build a complex at the SRP  where the Cebu city government offered a lot for the Court of Appeals, or use the lot offered by the

Capitol at the Department of Agriculture compound, or pick an entirely different lot.

Judges and court workers are now holding office at the Qimonda I.T. Center at the North Reclamation Area.

Cebu City Michael Rama said he  is  willing to extend help  in relocating the courts.