Reiteration of Administrative Circular No. 53-2002 and OCA Circular No. 8-2003

December 7, 2011 OCA CIRCULAR NO. 171-11 TO : All Officials and Employees of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, Shari'a District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts and Shari'a Circuit Courts SUBJECT : Reiteration of Administrative Circular No. 53-2002 (Re: Singing of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary Hymns in All Official Programs of the Judiciary) and OCA Circular No. 8-2003 (Re: Implementing Guidelines in the Singing of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary Hymns in All Official Programs of the Judiciary) In the Resolution dated 04 October 2011 in Administrative Matter No. 11-9-12-SC (Re: Request of Justice Michael P. Elbinias, Court of Appeals, Re Judiciary Hymn) , the Honorable Court En Banc resolved to (a) REITERATE the directives contained in Administrative Circular No. 53-2002 dated 04 November 2002 requiring that the Supreme Court Hymn and the Judiciary Hymn shall always be sung during all official functions held or sponsored by the Supreme Court, or by all lower courts, or by any office under or adjunct to it, including the Office of the Court Administrator and the Philippine Judicial Academy; and (b) DIRECT THE STRICT COMPLIANCE with OCA Circular No. 8-2003 dated 22 January 2003 (Implementing Guidelines in the Singing of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary Hymns in all Official Programs of the Judiciary) by all Justices, Judges and officials and employees of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, Shari'a District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts and Shari'a Circuit Courts. TCaSAH Accordingly, Administrative Circular No. 53-2002 is hereby reiterated and all concerned officials and employees are hereby REMINDED to strictly comply with the pertinent provisions of OCA Circular No. 8-2003. "ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 53-2002 SINGING OF THE SUPREME COURT AND THE JUDICIARY HYMNS IN ALL OFFICIAL PROGRAMS OF THE JUDICIARY Hymns manifest the ideals of a country or an institution, and are among the most solemn of the various forms of expressions of love for it. They are thus effective means of promoting or strengthening unity and solidarity among the citizens of a country or the stakeholders of an institution, and of developing their principled pride as such. The Supreme Court Hymn and the Judiciary Hymn put in words and in music what the Supreme Court and the Judiciary represent, as well as the sacramental role they play in our democratic society in upholding the rule of law and dispensing justice. The singing of these hymns by the Justices, judges and other court officials and employees is their act of solemn dedication to the ideals and goals of these institutions, their expression of gratitude for the rare privilege of public service through these institutions, and their prayer for strengthening the bond of unity and solidarity among them as public servants. Accordingly, during the Flag Ceremony and at all official programs sponsored by the Supreme Court or by any office under it, including the Office of the Court Administrator and the Philippine Judicial Academy, the Supreme Court Hymn and the Judiciary Hymn must be sung. To ensure the active participation of the audience during such programs, the hymns must be embodied in the printed programs for the occasion. Likewise, during the Flag Ceremony and at all other official programs sponsored by all other courts below the Supreme Court, the Judiciary Hymn must be sung. To ensure the active participation of the audience during such programs, the hymn must be embodied in the printed program for the occasion. xxx xxx xxx" OCA CIRCULAR NO. 8-2003 IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES IN THE SINGING OF THE SUPREME COURT AND THE JUDICIARY HYMNS IN ALL OFFICIAL PROGRAMS OF THE JUDICIARY The following rules are hereby prescribed for observance by all concerned: 1. During the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning or more specifically, immediately after the pledge of allegiance (panunumpa sa watawat), the Judiciary Hymn must be sung; AEaSTC 2. Likewise, at any and all programs, seminars, workshops, conventions, gathering, training and all other events sponsored by all courts below the Supreme Court, the Judiciary Hymn must be sung. The hymn must be printed on a piece of paper or must be embodied in the printed program for the occasion and the same be distributed to all participants; and 3. The concerned officials or employees must dutifully memorize and wholeheartedly sing the said hymn. Officials of the above mentioned courts shall ensure the active and full participation of the audience in the singing of the Judiciary Hymn during such ceremony or program. For strict compliance. (SGD.) JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ Court Administrator