OCA CIRCULAR NO. 70-2003, June 06, 2003
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 70-2003, June 06, 2003
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TO:
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All Judges of the Lower Courts
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SUBJECT:
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In-Chambers Sessions
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In view of the increasing number of reports reaching the Office of
the Court Administrator that judges have been meeting with party
litigants inside their chambers, judges are hereby cautioned to avoid
in-chambers’ sessions without the other party and his counsel present,
and to observe prudence at all times in their conduct to the end that
they not only act impartially and with propriety but are also perceived
to be impartial and proper.
The Code of Judicial Conduct requires judges to act with
competence, integrity and independence and so to behave at all times as
to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the
judiciary (Pico vs. Combongj Jr., 215 SCRA 412, Canon 2, Rule 2.01).
Strict compliance is enjoined June 6, 2003.
June 6, 2003.
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PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.
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Court Administrator
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