CHIEF JUSTICE Diosdado Peralta on Thursday said he will direct all judges to undergo testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"I told the Court Administrator that we have to do something and explain to them that this is for them and it is not only for the employees. Supposing, he (a judge) is positive and we allow him to go to work, lawyers might complain so my instruction is that they have to undergo a mandatory test," Peralta said in an online press briefing, following reports that some judges declined to undergo Covid-19 testing.
Meanwhile, Peralta noted that some judges stationed outside Metro Manila have expressed interest in undertaking free Covid-19 testing but are unable to do so because of transportation concerns.
"There were judges who were saying that they should undergo also mandatory testing. Now, the problem is the judges are stationed outside of Metro Manila so I told the Court Administrator that we will subject the judges if they want to come to the SC (Supreme Court)," he said.
Peralta cited a judge in La Union who wants to undergo rapid testing for Covid-19.
"He wants to come to Manila, then probably we will test him for free, but you know traveling from La Union to Manila will take a lot of time and resources," he added.
Peralta said health screening will continue to be undertaken at the SC compound through the use of disinfection tents for all visitors and court officials.
"Everybody is contributing and cooperating so that no one will be contaminated with this disease or virus," Peralta said.(By Benjamin Pulta)
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