To 'boost morale,' CJ Sereno gives cash to court employees from SC savings

Officials and employees of the judiciary are getting "fringe benefits" on orders of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as part of a longstanding tradition for a new chief magistrate to release money from the savings under its General Appropriations.   On Monday, Sereno signed Memorandum No. 29-2012 in which she ordered the release of P15,000 for justices and employees of the Supreme Court and Presidential Electoral Tribunal.   For the Court of Appeals, it’s P10,000 and P7,000 for the lower courts.   “In the exercise of fiscal autonomy, the Chief Justice may authorize the grant of fringe benefit to officials and employees of the judiciary to help them overcome the present economic difficulties, to boost their morale, and to further their commitment and dedication to their jobs,” the memorandum read.   “The benefit herein granted shall be received by those who are in service for four months or more, as of August 31, 2012,” it added.   It is a tradition in the judiciary for a new chief justice to use his or her authority to give employees a one-time financial assistance. — Rouchelle Dinglasan/VS/HS, GMA News