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[ A.M. No. 99-12-06-SC. January 25, 2000]

IN RE: RECOMMENDATION NO. C-15 OF THE PHILJA, et al.

EN BANC

Gentlemen:

Quoted hereunder, for your information, is a resolution of this Court dated JAN 25 2000.

A.M. No. 99-12-06-SC (In Re: Recommendation No. C-15 of the Consultants' Group Judicial Reforms Committee, PHILJA.)

Acting upon the recommendation of the Committee on the Revision of the Rules of Court, the Court Resolved to INFORM the Department of Education, Culture and Sports the following Recommendation No. C-15, dated 9 November 1999, of the Consultants' Group, Judicial Academy (PHILJA), to wit:

PROPOSAL FOR THE INCLUSION IN THE CURRICULA OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) OF THE STUDY OF THE JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND

Judges and the judicial process have not had the best public relations for the past few years. The newspaper, radio and television reports do not educate the people on the judicial process and the hard work, sacrifice, patience and study that it demands from the judges, nor do the media take pains to make the public understand the problems that beset the judiciary. On the other hand, contempt, rather than respect, for the members of the bench results when news of the dismissal of corrupt, dishonest, immoral or incompetent judges is sensationalized in the press and radio. The belief of the poor that courts exist only for the rich and that judges can be bought is buttressed by news stories about wealthy convict who receive special treatment even in jail.

As things are, the young children are contaminated by their elders' negative view of the judiciary, an institution of vital importance to our society. Therefore, there is a need to educate the youth on our country's judicial system and the judicial process. They should be informed of the efforts of the Supreme Court to improve the administration of justice and introduce reforms in the Philippine juvenile justice system in order to comply with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international agreements that the Philippines is a party to. The most effective means of bringing such information to the children would be by including its study in the curricula of the elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.

In the elementary level, a subject called "SIBIKA" (CIVICS), is offered from Grade 1 to Grade 7, through a series of books -- one volume for each grade which teaches children to become useful and responsible citizens. "SIBIKA" teaches about Philippine history, culture, tradition, geography, government, our heroes and our fundamental rights as citizens. Unfortunately, a study of the judiciary, the branch of government that protects and enforces those rights, is barely touched in these books. Hence, there is a need to include a chapter on the functions of the judiciary, to be presented within the children's level of understanding. Field trips to the different courts within their locality should be a party of this course of study.

When the children reach the secondary level of education, a more detailed study of the workings of the judicial system and its relation to the other branches of government may be undertaken and the same may be included in the study of Philippine government and related subjects.

As aforestated, the study should be presented within the children's level of understanding and should use the layman's language, whether in English or in the native tongue. The purpose is to develop respect for an institution that re-energizes democracy through its application of due process.

It is noteworthy that insofar as legal literacy is concerned, as early as 1993, the University of the Philippines Law Complex had launched the project "Practical Law for Elementary and High Schools" which aims to equip the young with functional legal literacy so they can thrive in a democratic society and, in turn ensure that the society remains democratic. Its objectives are to develop functional legal literacy at the earliest possible level with emphasis on the individual's vital role in a democratic society and provide youth with knowledge of their fundamental rights and liberties, how to protect these rights and how to respect those of others.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is therefore proposed that the Supreme Court recommend to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, the inclusion in the curricula of the elementary and secondary schools, public and private, of the study of the Philippine judiciary as an institution that protects and enforces the rights of citizens and compels the performance of their duties and obligations.

The Court further RESOLVED to request the Department of Education, Culture and Sports to approve and implement the foregoing recommendation.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished His Excellency President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Honorable Secretary Andrew Gonzales of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.

Very truly yours,

LUZVIMINDA PUNO

Clerk of Court

(Sgd.) MA. LUISA D. VILLARAMA

Asst. Clerk of Court

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