Pubdate: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines) Copyright: 2004 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991 Author: Raquel C. Bagnol SC SEES NO NEED FOR MORE DRUGS COURT CHIEF Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said they are still waiting for the recommendation of the court administrator on the replacement for former Regional Trial Court 9 or the Special Drugs Court Judge Adoracion Avisado. "We thought at that time that there was no immediate need for additional drugs court in Davao, but I don't think she asked for a reconsideration," Davide told Sun.Star in an interview while on a brief stopover at the Davao International Airport Saturday night. "The recommendation of the court administrator would really determine the necessity of creating additional drugs court in the city. We do not know the profile of her docket," Davide said, adding that Avisado could have filed another request if there was really a compelling need for an additional drugs court so that the Supreme Court will look into the matter. Davide said they could not allow pending cases in Avisado's sala to remain unacted, adding that they will again ask the court administrator to designate a judge. Deputy Court Administrator Christopher O. Lock, who was with Davide said they are considering Judge Renato A. Fuentes of RTC 17 to take over the post vacated by Judge Avisado. Avisado tendered her resignation as presiding judge effective March 1, quoting in her letter to the RTC 9 staff that her resignation was triggered by the Supreme Court's denial of her request for an additional drugs court twice. In an interview Monday, Avisado said she had attached in her request the medical certificates of her stenographer and court interpreter who suffered attacks during trial due to fatigue and overwork. "Our criminal justice system is weak. So much is being demanded especially in special drugs court but you're not given enough support in maintenance funds, and manpower," Avisado said. "Now that I'm out of the judiciary, I'll do my advocacy work as an outsider. I'll go back to developmental lawyering and I can move more freely," Avisado said, adding that her resignation is a God-led decision. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake