MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has prohibited the production, sale, and distribution of products bearing its seal on all platforms and warned that violators shall be criminally prosecuted.
Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code penalizes “any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class of persons of which he or she is not a member.”
Included in the prohibition are the various shopping platforms such as Shopee and Lazada. The high court said the online shopping platforms will also be given a copy of its resolution.
In its Administrative Matter (A.M.) No. 21-06-07, the high court has directed all entities currently distributing, selling, and manufacturing items with the high court’s seal should “immediately cease and desist from engaging in the said activities; otherwise, they will be held accountable for indirect contempt.”
The high court directed the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) to strictly monitor and regulate the unauthorized selling of the said items inside and outside the Supreme Court premises.
The high court issued the resolution noting that individuals may use these products for “their own unscrupulous purposes.”