Guidelines on the Assistance to Be Extended to Judiciary Employees Heavily Affected by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng

October 5, 2009

SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 63-09

TO : All Concerned

RE : Guidelines on the Assistance to Be Extended to Judiciary Employees Heavily Affected by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng

The onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng brought devastating damages in the National Capital Judicial Region (NCJR), Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A and other declared calamity areas; TIaCAc

Victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng include many employees of the Judiciary in these areas who, if not left totally homeless, have little properties left;

Aside from the relief operations already undertaken by the Supreme Court (SC), the Supreme Court Assembly of Lawyers (SCALE) and the Supreme Court Employees Association (SCEA), jointly requested the organization of volunteer groups to help other Court employees in these areas in fixing, cleaning or in the repair of their houses; and requested that they be provided by the Court with assistance in terms of: (1) transportation (in the NCR); (2) tools; and (3) consideration in attendance.

In line with this, the following are the guidelines that should be observed in the volunteer operations:

I. Attendance

Employees who have been directly affected by typhoon Ondoy are granted an emergency leave of five (5) days pursuant to CSC Memorandum Circular No. 29, s. 2009.

The same privilege is extended to employees affected by typhoon Pepeng. Additional days may be given if the circumstances warrant, such as completion of major repairs and/or clean-up of homes. The total emergency leave of absence, however, should not exceed ten (10) days.

A certification from the chiefs of offices, or Executive Judges/Presiding Judges of their respective offices/stations that the employee availing of the emergency leave was indeed affected by typhoon Ondoy/Pepeng shall be attached to the leave application.

II. Volunteer Operations

Volunteer Operations shall include activities such as cleaning or clearing-up, fixing or repairs of Court employees' houses or immediate premises which have been affected by typhoon Ondoy and/or Pepeng.

A. Request for Assistance

1. Affected employees of the Judiciary coming from the NCR, Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A and other places declared as calamity areas shall be the only ones to be provided assistance by the volunteer groups; EaCSHI

2. Affected employees shall make a request if they need the assistance of volunteers. They shall submit their names to the Chiefs of Offices and/or Executive Judges/Presiding Judges of their respective offices/stations, for approval.

B. Organization of Volunteer Groups and Operations

1. The SCALE, the SCEA, the Appellate, and the Lower Courts' Employees' Association in each station shall form an Ad Hoc Committee which shall be in-charge in the volunteer operations. The members of Committee should make sure that their regular work will not be affected by the activities or responsibilities they may have in connection with the volunteer operations;

2. Officials and employees who will take part in the volunteer operations shall secure the approval of their respective Chiefs of Offices or Executive Judges/Presiding Judges, as the case may be. Approval, in any case, should not disrupt or affect services/transactions of their respective offices/stations;

3. The assistance to be provided to the affected employees shall be based on the extent of the damages suffered by said Court employees as certified and evaluated by representatives of the Committee duly noted by the Chiefs of Offices of Executive Judges/Presiding Judges concerned;

4. The Committee shall be responsible in overseeing the volunteer operations including the works to be done and the presence/attendance and help extended by volunteers; and

5. Certification that the volunteers actually took part in the volunteer operations shall be the responsibility of the Ad Hoc Committee. They will submit to the Leave Division, Office of Administrative Services of the Supreme Court/Office of the Court Administrator, and appellate courts, the attendance of the volunteers in the volunteer operations.

C. Attendance of Volunteers

Those who will take part in the volunteer operations shall be excused from attendance in their respective offices/stations and relieved of their duties and responsibilities therein.

D. Provisions

1. Use of any available Supreme Court's vehicle shall be allowed subject to the schedule of trips by the Chief, Motorpool Division, Office of Administrative Services; cHDaEI

2. Use of Supreme Court tools, equipment or other implements shall likewise be allowed provided proper arrangement, care and coordination is made with the Chief, Maintenance Division. Immediate return of borrowed items is enjoined.

 The utilization should not in any event disrupt or interfere with the performance of the duties of the two (2) divisions above mentioned.

Any question concerning the implementation of these Guidelines shall be directed to Court Administrator Jose P. Perez for the lower courts and Atty. Eden T. Candelaria, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer, for the Supreme Court.

This shall take effect immediately.

 

(SGD.) REYNATO S. PUNOChief Justice