Davao de Oro judge called out for celebrating birthday under GCQ

The Supreme Court (SC) said it is investigating a presiding judge and her staff in Davao de Oro for possible quarantine violations when she celebrated her birthday.

The SC issued a show cause order against Judge Cresenciana dela Cruz of the Nabunturan, Davao de Oro Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3.

Cruz and her staff celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago and hosted a buffet in her chambers, which is considered a violation of social distancing guidelines.

The SC has directed the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to submit its report within 15 calendar days to determine if Cruz and her staff committed a violation.

Social gatherings and other mass gatherings are prohibited under the community quarantine in the Philippines as part of the government’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Davao de Oro, formerly named Compostela Valley, is currently under general community quarantine (GCQ). 

The SC recently submitted several administrative circulars asking court employees and members of the bar to strictly comply with the quarantine protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).