October 5, 2009

SUPREME COURT ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 63-09

TO : All Concerned
RE : Guidelines on the Assistance to Be Extended to Judiciary
Employees Heavily Affected by Typhoon Ondoy and
Pepeng
The onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng brought devastating
damages in the National Capital Judicial Region (NCJR), Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A
and other declared calamity areas; TIaCAc

Victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng include many employees of the

Judiciary in these areas who, if not left totally homeless, have little properties
left;
Aside from the relief operations already undertaken by the Supreme
Court (SC), the Supreme Court Assembly of Lawyers (SCALE) and the
Supreme Court Employees Association (SCEA), jointly requested the
organization of volunteer groups to help other Court employees in these areas
in fixing, cleaning or in the repair of their houses; and requested that they be
provided by the Court with assistance in terms of: (1) transportation (in the
NCR); (2) tools; and (3) consideration in attendance.
In line with this, the following are the guidelines that should be observed
in the volunteer operations:
I. Attendance
Employees who have been directly affected by typhoon Ondoy are
granted an emergency leave of five (5) days pursuant to CSC Memorandum
Circular No. 29, s. 2009.
The same privilege is extended to employees affected by
typhoon Pepeng. Additional days may be given if the circumstances warrant,
such as completion of major repairs and/or clean-up of homes. The total
emergency leave of absence, however, should not exceed ten (10) days.
A certification from the chiefs of offices, or Executive Judges/Presiding
Judges of their respective offices/stations that the employee availing of the
emergency leave was indeed affected by typhoon Ondoy/Pepeng shall be
attached to the leave application.
II. Volunteer Operations
 Volunteer Operations shall include activities such as cleaning or
clearing-up, fixing or repairs of Court employees' houses or immediate
premises which have been affected by typhoon Ondoy and/or Pepeng.
A. Request for Assistance
1. Affected employees of the Judiciary coming from the NCR, Regions
1, 2, 3, 4A and other places declared as calamity areas shall be
the only ones to be provided assistance by the volunteer
groups; EaCSHI

2. Affected employees shall make a request if they need the assistance

of volunteers. They shall submit their names to the Chiefs of
Offices and/or Executive Judges/Presiding Judges of their
respective offices/stations, for approval.
B. Organization of Volunteer Groups and Operations
1. The SCALE, the SCEA, the Appellate, and the Lower Courts'
Employees' Association in each station shall form an Ad Hoc
Committee which shall be in-charge in the volunteer operations.
The members of Committee should make sure that their regular
work will not be affected by the activities or responsibilities they
may have in connection with the volunteer operations;
2. Officials and employees who will take part in the volunteer operations
shall secure the approval of their respective Chiefs of Offices or
Executive Judges/Presiding Judges, as the case may be.
Approval, in any case, should not disrupt or affect
services/transactions of their respective offices/stations;
3. The assistance to be provided to the affected employees shall be
based on the extent of the damages suffered by said Court
employees as certified and evaluated by representatives of the
Committee duly noted by the Chiefs of Offices of Executive
Judges/Presiding Judges concerned;
4. The Committee shall be responsible in overseeing the volunteer
operations including the works to be done and the
presence/attendance and help extended by volunteers; and
5. Certification that the volunteers actually took part in the volunteer
operations shall be the responsibility of the Ad Hoc Committee.
They will submit to the Leave Division, Office of Administrative
Services of the Supreme Court/Office of the Court Administrator,
and appellate courts, the attendance of the volunteers in the
volunteer operations.
C. Attendance of Volunteers
 Those who will take part in the volunteer operations shall be excused
from attendance in their respective offices/stations and relieved of their duties
and responsibilities therein.
D. Provisions
1. Use of any available Supreme Court's vehicle shall be allowed subject
to the schedule of trips by the Chief, Motorpool Division, Office of
Administrative Services; cHDaEI

2. Use of Supreme Court tools, equipment or other implements shall

likewise be allowed provided proper arrangement, care and
coordination is made with the Chief, Maintenance Division.
Immediate return of borrowed items is enjoined.
The utilization should not in any event disrupt or interfere with the
performance of the duties of the two (2) divisions above
mentioned.
Any question concerning the implementation of these Guidelines shall be
directed to Court Administrator Jose P. Perez for the lower courts and Atty.
Eden T. Candelaria, Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer, for
the Supreme Court.
This shall take effect immediately.

(SGD.) REYNATO S. PUNO

Chief Justice

(Guidelines on the Assistance to Be Extended to Judiciary Employees Heavily

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Affected by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, Supreme Court Administrative Circular

No. 63-09, [October 5, 2009])