The Supreme Court (SC) warned the public against rising incidents of fake orders, notices, issuances, and advisories purportedly issued by the courts and their offices in the judiciary.
At the same time, the SC warned against persons who fraudulently claim to be court officials and employees.
In a press briefing conducted in Baguio City on Wednesday, April 23, SC Spokesperson lawyer Camille Sue Mae L. Ting said that all courts in the country “use only official communication channels when issuing orders, notices, and other court-related documents.”
Ting said: “These channels may be verified at the respective websites of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan. For trial courts, these may be verified through the Trial Court Locator section of the Supreme Court website at: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/court-locator/”
The SC, Ting said, has received numerous complaints on fake court issuances, “sometimes issuances coming from the office of Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.”
She also said the SC has sought the assistance of law enforcement agencies and the complaints have also been referred to the Office of the Judiciary Marshal.
“We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant. Do not be misled. Always verify the authenticity of any court-related document, announcement, or advisory,” Ting urged the public.
“Suspicious communications, documents, or individuals should be reported to the Judiciary Public Assistance Section at chiefjusticehelpdesk@judiciary.gov.ph for proper investigation and appropriate action,” she added.