Lawyers feel the heat, donate fans
Cebu City RTC Executive Judge Soliver Peras (2nd from right) receives the 65 brand new 16 inch Electric fans from IBP Cebu City chapter president Atty. Eliane Bathan (2nd from left) Atty. Earl Binachita and Atty. Sue Belarmino (right) as donations for the courts due to humid temperature at the Qimonda IT center. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
To seek relief from the heat of the Qimonda IT center, where they have to appear for court hearings, Cebu city lawyers donated over 65 electric fans.
The Cebu City chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) led by president Mae Elaine Bathan turned over the fans to Executive Judge Soliver Peras of the Regional Trial Court after yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony.
“Hopefully, these electric fans can lessen the heat that the judges, litigants, lawyers and employees have been experiencing,” Peras said.
Bathan said the IBP also came up with a resolution seeking permission from the judiciary to relax the dress code when lawyers appear for court hearings.
“We requested the executive judges that lawyers be allowed to dispense with corporate, courtroom attire ,which is coat and tie for the men and blazers for lady lawyers. It’s not only because of summer, but also due to the lack of proper ventilation in the building. It’s very hot in here,” she said.
Bathan said they can resume the dress code once the courtrooms are transferred to the third and fourth floors of the building with air-conditioning in place.
Judge Peras said he already informed Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez about the request of the IBP.
“He (Midas) told me to send a letter-request in writing,” Peras said.
If it’s approved, the dress code will be suspended for lawyers and litigants, as well as rank and file court employees.
Court operations were moved to Qimonda I.T. Center last March after the Palace of Justice was deemed “unfit for occupancy” due to the damage caused by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake last Oct. 15, 2013.
There are no air conditioners in the ground and second floors. Some court employees bought their own electric fans and humidifiers.
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