OCA CIRCULAR NO. 47-2011, April 01, 2011

 Reports had reached this Court that despite prohibition, solicitations for contributions/donations by court personnel from lawyers and litigants remain rampant.

Accordingly, all court personnel of the first and second level courts are hereby REMINDED to strictly observe the mandate of (a) Section 2, Canon I and Section 2(e), Canon III of Administrative Matter No. 03-06-13-SC (Code of Conduct for Court Personnel) on improper solicitation; and (b) Circular No. 4-91 dated 31 May 1991 (Re: Letter-Complaint Against Solicitations for Contributions by Court Personnel)/ to quote:

“Xxx
Henceforth, all personnel of the lower courts under the administrative supervision of the Office of the Court Administrator are strictly enjoined from making any form of solicitation for   contributions   as   it   is   strictly   prohibited   by   law.
(emphasis supplied)

Consequently, all those found soliciting for and/or receiving contributions, in cash or in kind, from any person, whether or not a litigant or lawyer, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the sanctions prescribed by law.”

Further, ail court personnel are reminded that committing improper solicitation is an offense which merit a grave penalty. Under Section 52(A) (11) of Rule IV of the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, dismissal is the penalty for improper solicitation at the first offense. Section 58(a) of the same Rule provides that the penalty of dismissal shall carry with it the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification of reemployment in the government service, unless otherwise provided in the decision.

1  April 2011.