Court employees air complaint on unhealthy work environment

CEBU, Philippines – The absence of air-conditioning units and proper ventilation have affected the working condition of employees of the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court at the Marcelo Fernan Memorial Hall of Justice.

The old air-conditioning unit at the OCC conked out last May and has not been replaced since then- literally making the office a natural oven, especially during midday.

Employees therein, including RTC Clerk of Court Jeoffrey Joaquino, said the extremely hot temperature has already taken its toll and its effect on their performance and health is no longer undeniable. The OCC occupies office spaces at the ground floor of the Palace of Justice previously occupied by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Peligro gyud kaayo sa mga dunay high-blood,” one employee said.

“Maapektuhan gyud ang among efficiency kay di man ka ganahan mo lihok sa kainit,” another employee said.

Some of them even brought their own electric fans, as the electric fans in the office are no longer functioning.

Joaquino said he already reported the problem to the Regional Court Administrator’s Office but lawyer Isidro Boncayao, Jr. reportedly told them the office has no budget for an air-conditioning unit as this point in time.

They also requested the provincial government for another air-conditioning unit last May yet but no feedback was given until now. It was also the province that donated the old unit 10 years ago. – Fred P. Languido/JMO      (THE FREEMAN)