SC SEES NO NEED FOR MORE DRUGS COURT

CHIEF Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said they are still waiting for the
recommendation of the court administrator on the replacement for
former Regional Trial Court 9 or the Special Drugs Court Judge
Adoracion Avisado.

"We thought at that time that there was no immediate need for
additional drugs court in Davao, but I don't think she asked for a
reconsideration," Davide told Sun.Star in an interview while on a
brief stopover at the Davao International Airport Saturday night.

"The recommendation of the court administrator would really determine
the necessity of creating additional drugs court in the city. We do
not know the profile of her docket," Davide said, adding that Avisado
could have filed another request if there was really a compelling need
for an additional drugs court so that the Supreme Court will look into
the matter.

Davide said they could not allow pending cases in Avisado's sala to
remain unacted, adding that they will again ask the court
administrator to designate a judge.

Deputy Court Administrator Christopher O. Lock, who was with Davide
said they are considering Judge Renato A. Fuentes of RTC 17 to take
over the post vacated by Judge Avisado.

Avisado tendered her resignation as presiding judge effective March 1,
quoting in her letter to the RTC 9 staff that her resignation was
triggered by the Supreme Court's denial of her request for an
additional drugs court twice.

In an interview Monday, Avisado said she had attached in her request
the medical certificates of her stenographer and court interpreter who
suffered attacks during trial due to fatigue and overwork.

"Our criminal justice system is weak. So much is being demanded
especially in special drugs court but you're not given enough support
in maintenance funds, and manpower," Avisado said.

"Now that I'm out of the judiciary, I'll do my advocacy work as an
outsider. I'll go back to developmental lawyering and I can move more
freely," Avisado said, adding that her resignation is a God-led decision.