Justices warn of jail time for unauthorized production, sale of items bearing SC seal

The Supreme Court (SC) has barred the production, sale, or distribution of any items or merchandise bearing its seal, or similar items of merchandise indicating any connection with the judiciary without its permission.

The SC made the decision after Maria Carina Cunanan of the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) brought to the justices’ attention the sale by various vendors of merchandise bearing the official SC seal, such as ID lanyards, car stickers, emblems, and license plates, in online platforms without authorization from the Court.

“There is a probability that these merchandises bearing the Court’s seal or insignia be wrongly used by individuals or entities who can easily access or buy it from online selling platforms and use such merchandise with the Court’s insignia for their own unscrupulous purposes,” the Court said.

In a resolution dated June 15, the SC warned that all persons or entities who shall produce, sell, or distribute the unauthorized items shall be criminally prosecuted for illegal use of uniforms or insignia under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code.

Those found guilty of violating Article 179 could spend up to six months in jail.

The justices directed all individuals or entities engaged in the production, sale, or distribution of such items to immediately end their activities. Otherwise, they will be held accountable for indirect contempt of court.

The Court also ordered the OAS to strictly monitor and regulate the unauthorized selling of such items inside and outside the premises of the SC, especially during the Court’s anniversary and Christmas fairs.

Local head offices of online shopping platforms such as Shopee and Lazada will be given copies of the resolution, which will take effect immediately following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation. -MDM, GMA News