SC memo to judges: No ‘maong,’ minis, etc.

Judges and court personnel can now be sanctioned for coming to work in casual wear.

In a memorandum dated Feb. 3 and released on Thursday, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta laid down the dress code that should be followed by all trial court judges and their staff members.

Among the prohibited items of clothing are “maong,” or denim jeans, and collarless shirts for men; and miniskirts, blouses that are transparent, strapless, sleeveless or with “overplunging” necklines for women.

Open-toe sandals, rubber shoes, slippers and even the wooden “bakya” are not allowed, even “long and unkempt” hair and “earrings and other body ornaments” for men will not be allowed.

Business attire

Judges of metropolitan trial courts, municipal trial courts and regional trial courts are to conduct hearings in business attire, which Peralta’s memo described as “long-sleeved barong or coat and tie” for men.

Skirts for women judges and staffers should be “at least knee-length, though an inch above knee may be allowed,” he said.

Peralta, a former Quezon City RTC judge himself who was appointed chief magistrate in October last year, apparently found it unacceptable to hear about unkempt judges and court personnel during hearings.

He said he issued Memorandum Order 12-2020 due to “persistent reports and personal observation that some judges and court personnel do not observe proper conduct and office attire while in court.”

The memo, however, stipulates no penalty for violation of the required dress code.

Still, Peralta instructed judges to discipline lawyers who would not appear in court in proper attire.

Judges, he said, should always “maintain order and decorum” and act “with dignity and courtesy to all those present in the courtroom.”

“Failure to comply with any of the above shall be a ground for disciplinary action,” he warned.