CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo yesterday cautioned the public against fake orders, notices, and advisories supposedly issued by the Supreme Court (SC) or other courts to perpetuate money-making schemes.
“Sa mga kababayan ko, huwag kayo basta basta maniniwala sa mga notisya o subpoena na natatanggap nyo o nakikita sa social media na kayo ay inuutusang pumunta sa hukuman para magpaliwanag sa kung anumang bagay (To my countrymen, do not easily believe if you receive or see in social media a notice or subpoena ordering you to go to the court to explain or defend yourself),” Gesmundo told reporters in a chance interview in Baguio City where the SC is holding its annual summer session.
“Siguraduhin nyo na ang notisya o subpoena ay totoo at tama. Mag verify sa korte na sinasabi nila. Doon kayo pumunta (Make sure that the notice or subpoena you received is true and legitimate. Verify them from the court which allegedly issued it),” he said.
“Maging mapanuri para di tayo mabiktima ng mga panlolokong ito,” he added.
Gesmundo said individuals who receive such notices may also verify the authenticity of the documents by reaching out to the SC Public Information Office.
In a press conference, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the High Court will go after the persons behind the fake orders and put an end to their fraudulent activities.
“All courts use only official communication channels when issuing orders, notices, and other court-related documents. These channels may be verified at the respective websites of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan,” Ting said.
“Based on information, these are scammers, usually seeking to collect money. The public is always advised to always double check and verify the authenticity of these documents by just calling or emailing the court, trial courts, SC, CA. All of these information are located in the SC website,” she said.
For trial courts, Ting said these may be verified through the Trial Court Locator section of the SC website.
“We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant. Do not be misled. Always verify the authenticity of any court-related document announcement, or advisory,” she said.
Ting also appealed to the public to report any suspicious communications, documents, or individuals to the Judiciary Public Assistance Section for proper action.
Asked what prompted the en banc to issue such advisory, Ting said the SC has received many complaints either through email or social media posts about orders, documents, and notices coming allegedly from the courts.
“Sometimes nga, issuance pa galing daw kay Chief himself. But this is not true (There are even issuance supposedly made by the Chief himself),” she said.
Ting said the SC is working with law enforcement authorities, particularly the Office of Judiciary Marshalls to investigate and find those behind the scam.
