The Supreme Court has imposed a prohibition on the production, distribution and sale of any items or merchandise bearing its seal, or similar items indicating any connection with the judiciary without its permission.
In a resolution regarding the “Unauthorized Online Selling of Merchandise Bearing Supreme Court Seal and/or Insignia”, the SC also warned individuals and entities including various online platforms such as Shopee Philippines, Inc. and Lazada Group that those who will be found guilty of the illegal act may facing a prison term of notmore than six months under Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code.
The provision of the RPC states that “(t)he penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class of persons of which he is not a member.”
The duration of penalty for arresto mayor is one month and one day up to six months.
The SC said it has furnished the Philippine head offices of Shopee and Lazada of its resolution.
Prior to the issuance of the resolution, the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) through Deputy Clerk of Court and Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Maria Carina M. Cunanan, brought to the attention of SC the sale by various vendors of merchandise bearing the official Supreme Court seal, such as I.D. lanyards, car stickers, emblems, and license plates, in online platforms without authorization from the Court.
The SC acknowledged the probability that these merchandise would be used wrongly by unscrupulous individuals or entities.
“Whereas, even in the absence of a constitutional or statutory provision on the matter, the Court has inherent and inalienable right to regulate, prohibit, or restrict its use only to specific individuals or entities it authorizes, as well as to dictate and enforce conditions of such use,” the SC said, in a four-page resolution.
The tribunal ordered all individuals or entities currently engaged in the production, sale, or distribution of the aforesaid items to immediately cease and desist from engaging in the said activities; otherwise, they will be held accountable for indirect contempt of court.
The SC also directed the OAS to strictly monitor and regulate the unauthorized selling inside and outside the Court premises of the said items, especially during Court anniversary and Christmas fairs.