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By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
THE Supreme Court on Friday gave its go signal
to allow judges all over the country to acquire handguns for their
personal protection, safety and security.
In a two-page resolution, the High Tribunal
approved the proposed guidelines that provide lower courts judges
the opportunity to avail of a handgun through an interest-free loan.
An initial revolving fund of P10 million shall
be made available for that purpose.
Under the handgun acquisition program, judges
who will avail of the P50,000 credit can settle the amount in 36
monthly installments.
The program was recommended to the High Court en
banc by Deputy Court Administrator Reuben Dela Cruz.
Statistics showed that a total of 15 judges were
killed since 1999. The latest was Calbayog City Regional Trial Court
Judge Roberto Navidad who was gunned down last January 14.
All trial judges covered
Covered by the scheme are judges appointed to
Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, Municipal
Trial Courts in Cities, Metropolitan Trial Courts and Regional Trial
Courts.
Only judges not more than 67 years old are
qualified for the loan. Also eligible for the loan are those not
under preventive suspension from office; have a minimum thirty days
leave credits; have met the minimum of P3,000 net take home pay as
required by the General Appropriations Act; and have at least three
qualified co-makers.
Should the judge-borrower fail to render the
required service obligation through his own fault, negligence,
unsatisfactory or poor performance or other causes within his
control resulting in the non-payment of the full cost of the
handgun, or should the judge-borrower resign or transfer to another
office, the entire unpaid balance shall become due and demandable.
Likewise the judge-borrower shall pay the unpaid
balance within 30 days from retirement, separation or removal from
the service.
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