Five suggestions for new CJ’s consideration

THIS IS an open letter to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno. We welcome her appointment to the Supreme Court. It is hoped that during her stint at the Supreme Court, she will usher radical changes to combat corruption in the judiciary, the high cost of justice, and delays in the dispensation of justice.

Humbly, the following are respectfully suggested to effect changes:

1. That the proceedings in all courts during the hearing be covered by video. This will assure proper decorum in courts and do away with costly transcripts. It will aid parties and the court in the preparation of pleadings and decisions. There must be a back-up system. The video will be exclusively used by parties and courts. The public may avail of such video only upon order of the court.

2. There must be a judicial ombudsman to preempt and investigate bribery. Bribery is very difficult to stop. Only a judicial ombudsman can do it.

3. Docket fees should be reduced by 80 percent. The Constitution is clear, recourse to justice must be inexpensive. Postponement fees should not be required.

4. Judicial proceedings should be conducted in conference-type trials. Parties should be ordered to bring their evidence at one time. The court should resolve the case after three days of trial conference.

5. Proceedings in courts should be in the national language. We are not reporting to the United States. Why still use English?

The above simple five suggestions will radically expedite proceedings, minimize corruption and effectively dispense justice to our people.

—V. EMMANUEL C. FONTANILLA,

[email protected]