No gambling reminder issued as judges meet at hotel housing a casino

THE Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) reminded judges and court personnel that government officials are prohibited from playing in casinos.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez issued the Circular considering that the Annual Convention of the Philippine Judges Association from Oct. 14-16 is at the Marriott Hotel, within the Newport City Complex, Pasay City, which also houses a casino.

Marquez said around 600 judges are present in the event.

Under Section 14 (a) of Presidential Decree No. 1869 or the charter of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), government officials are prohibited from playing in casinos.

He added that under the Supreme Court Circular No. 4, “judges of inferior courts and court personnel are enjoined from playing in or being present in gambling casinos.”

Marquez added that under the Canons of Judicial Ethics “a judge’s official conduct should be free from the appearance of impropriety and his personal behavior, not only upon the bench and in the performance of judicial duties, but also in his everyday life, should be beyond reproach.