Newsbriefs

CREDIBLE PAREDES

HE was sanctioned by the Supreme Court, but Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Meinrado Paredes kept his credibility intact, supporters said.

“Whatever sanction was imposed on him has not diminished a bit my high regard and esteem for him,” said lawyer Gloria Lastimosa-Dalawampu, a former Cebu City prosecutor.

Lawyer Earl Bonachita, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cebu City chapter, said he will urge the IBP Cebu City Chapter to pass a resolution in support of Paredes.

Associate Justice Gabriel Ingles of the Court of Appeals said Paredes “has done a lot as executive judge in improving the image of the RTC Cebu City not only in the physical unkeep of records in the building but more importantly as regards to the integrity of the institution.”

Judge Douglas Marigomen said the SC ruling that held Paredes liable for mishandling one civil case was “unfair” but added that fellow judges “won’t go against the Supreme Court.”

Judge Sylvestre Maamo Jr., is expected to succeed Paredes as executive judge.

Paredes and RTC Judge Bienvinido Saniel were held administratively liable by the SC for incompetence and undue delay in the resolution of a motion.
They were fined P10,000 each.

Paredes earlier described the ruling as “grossly unfounded and erroneous” but said he would resign without hesitation.

He and Saniel are seeking the High Court’s reconsideration.

The issue stemmed from an administrative complaint lodged by lawyer and former National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) director Florencio Villarin against Paredes, Saniel and three other RTC judges in handling his complaint against a stevedoring company over an unpaid P1.4 million obligation. /REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL

ANTI-GRAFFITI ORDINANCE

A Graffiti Workable Enforcement team will be launched to implement the Anti-Graffiti Ordinance in Cebu province, Gov. Gwen Garcia announced in yesterday’s Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting.

The ordinance passed last May 13 penalizes anyone caught defacing structures, possessing and furnishing to minors graffiti implements.

Garcia said provincial police will arrest violators and rewards will be given to persons who report violators.

She said the Provincial Board needs to revisit the ordinance to strengthen it. Once amended, a copy of the ordinance will be disseminated to the mayors.

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will help in this campaign.

Garcia also called on the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) through SK Federation President Aladdin Caminero to participate. The ordinance was authored by former Provincial Board member Juan Bolo. /CORRESPONDENT CARMEL LOISE MATUS