Chief Justice Gesmundo warns public vs. fake SC notices, subpoenas

BAGUIO CITY — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday warned the public to be careful about believing notices or subpoenas on social media that are ordering them to appear before the court.

“Siguradihin nyo na ang notisya ay totoo at tama. Mag-verifica kayo sa korteng sinasabi nilang doon kayo pumunta. Puwede din kayo mag-verifica sa Korte Suprema,” Gesmundo said in an ambush interview.

(Make sure that the notice is true and correct. Verify with the court they’re claiming you should go to. You can also verify with the Supreme Court.)

“Mag-mapagsuri at mag-ingat tayo palagi para hindi tayo mabiktima ng mga kalokohang ito,” he later added.

(Let’s always be critical and cautious so we don’t fall victim to these kinds of deceptions.)

Gesmundo said even his name is being used.

According to SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting, some of the individuals were “scammers” who were seeking to collect money.

“‘Yung mga scams na ito, they’re usually after money. They ask to settle, like they're gonna say, example, meron kayong kaso. Kung gusto niyo i-settle, call this number. Pero hindi po siya official,” she said.

(These scams are usually after money. They ask you to settle, like they’ll say, for example, you have a case. If you want to settle, call this number. But it’s not official.)

Ting stressed that courts will never ask individuals to settle a case.

Meanwhile, Gesmundo said the SC will ask law enforcement agencies for help.

“Hinihingi namin ang tulong ng mga ahensya. Halimbawa ng NBI, ng PNP para ma-beripika at matukoy ang mga taong nagpapakalat ng mga pekeng notisya na ito,” Gesmundo said.

(We are asking for the help of agencies. For example NBI, the PNP to verify and identify the individuals spreading these fake notices.) —KG, GMA Integrated News