MANILA, Philippines – Every day, each magistrate of the Supreme Court (SC) has to go over voluminous case records in order to come up with decisions that would form part of the law of the land. This can be tiring, exhausting, and stressful that they undoubtedly deserve a break from daily routine to look after their wellbeing.
Just recently, the SC en banc came up with a resolution approving the schedule of the “wellness leave” of its members for the year 2011 pursuant to the Court’s Wellness Program.
Under the program, each SC justice is entitled to a 15-day wellness leave where they can attend to their personal health needs like undergoing medical checkup, rest, and relaxation.
The program was first implemented in 2008 under the term of former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.
The wellness leave is on top of other regular leave benefits such as sick and vacation leaves.
The program promotes fewer sick days for justices and reduces the amount of medical attention required for them.
The following is the schedule of the wellness leave of the justices for next year: January 16 to 30, Justice Conchita Carpio Morales; February 16-March 2, Justice Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura; March 16-30, Justice Arturo D. Brion; April 16-30, Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno; June 1-15, Justice Diosdado M. Peralta; June 16-30, Chief Justice Renato C. Corona; July 16-30, Justices Roberto A. Abad and Teresita Leonardo de Castro; August 1-15, Justice Jose C. Mendoza; August 16-30, Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr.; September 16-30, Justice Martin S. Villarama Jr.; October 15-30, Justices Jose P. Perez and Antonio T. Carpio; and November 1-15, Justice Mariano C. del Castillo.
Lawyer Enriqueta E. Vidal, Clerk of Court-En Banc, said the schedule was based on the raffle conducted by the Raffle Committee for En Banc Cases held last October.
Edmer Panesa, Manila Bulletin
