New judiciary complex to rise in New Clark City

MANILA, Philippines —  The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Supreme Court (SC) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a 5.8-hectare area to be used as judiciary offices in the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in New Clark City.

In a statement, the BCDA said the MOU was inked Thursday by Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who was authorized to sign by the High Court en banc, and BCDA president and chief executive officer Vivencio Dizon.

Also present during the signing of the MOU were Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, Laura C.H. del Rosario who serves as deputy clerk of court and judicial reform program administrator and BCDA executive vice president and chief operating officer Aileen Zosa.

Under the MOU, the 5.8-hectare lot would be used, among others, as a regional office of the SC which will have an archive center, data center and a training center with living quarters.

It will also accommodate SC’s attached agencies such as the Philippine Judicial Academy, the Judicial and Bar Council and the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office.

“The concept of the NGAC is a step in the right direction for the Philippines,” Bersamin said.

“The Supreme Court welcomes the opportunity to become a stakeholder and locator,” he added.

For his part, Dizon said the SC’s judiciary office in New Clark City adds value to the area which is being developed and pushed as the country’s first smart, green and sustainable metropolis.

“This huge support adds value to Clark’s steady growth which will further expand with the development of connectivity infrastructure, such as the Clark International Airport new terminal building and the construction of railways,” he added.

NGAC which would house the back-up offices of government agencies to make sure business operations and services continue even when there are disasters or national calamities, is part of the first phase of development of New Clark City.

Development of the mixed-use government center in New Clark City is in line with the government’s aim to promote economic growth in the regions, as well as address road congestion through decentralizing state offices in Metro Manila.

World-class sports facilities including a 20,000-seater Athletic Stadium, 2,000-seater Aquatic Center and an Athlete’s village to be used for the country’s hosting of the South East Asian Games in November, are also being constructed as part of the first phase of development of New Clark City.