Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 8-99, issued on July 2, 1999, emphasizes the importance of timely responses by judiciary officials to public letters and requests. It mandates that all public officials and employees act on communications within fifteen working days and provide a response detailing the actions taken. Additionally, it requires immediate attention to personal transactions by the public seeking services. The circular aims to enhance accountability and efficiency within the judiciary and applies to all relevant court officials and personnel, effective immediately.
July 2, 1999
SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 8-99
TO : All Officials and Personnel of the Judiciary
RE : Prompt Action on Letters and Requests and Public's Personal Transaction
It has been observed by, and brought to the attention of, the Chief Justice that in some instances complaints, letters or requests from the public addressed to the officials of the Judiciary are belatedly answered or not answered at all.
All concerned are reminded of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 5 of R.A. No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which explicitly mandate as follows:
SEC. 5. Duties of Public Officials and Employees. — In the performance of their duties, all public officials and employees are under obligation to:
(a) Act promptly on letters and requests. All public officials and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the action taken on the request.
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(d) Act immediately on the public's personal transaction. All public officials and employees must attend to anyone who wants to avail himself of the service of their offices and must, at all times, act promptly and expeditiously.
The Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan, the Court Administrator, the Deputy Court Administrators, the Assistant Court Administrators, the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court, the Presiding Judge of the Court of Tax Appeals, and all Executive Judges and clerks of court of all other courts shall see to it that this Circular is immediately disseminated and observed.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
City of Manila, 02 July 1999.
(SGD.) HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.Chief Justice