DOJ constructs P2B justice halls

CABIAO, Nueva Ecija – At least P2 billion worth of justice halls and facilities have been constructed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) nationwide under its Justice System Infrastructure Program (JUSIP).

In a report to DOJ Secretary Hernando Perez, Undersecretary Ramon Liwag said that as of June 15, 2001, the implementation of JUSIP led to the completion of 276 projects in 55 of 82 cities amounting to P2,035,432,916.78.

The report, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, was rendered to Perez by Liwag during the inauguration of a P1.5-million hall of justice building at a 300-square meter areas within the municipal compound here recently.

The one-story justice building, which was constructed last February 4 and completed June 3, was funded by Sen. Franklin Drilon at the request of Mayor Gloria Crespo-Congco. It will house the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC).

The municipal government earlier donated the lot at the municipal compound for the building

In his report, Liwag said that 276 projects completed under JUSIP consists of Regional Trial Courts (RTCs), Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs), Municipal Trial Circuit Courts (MTCCs) and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTCs).

He said that 54.47 percent of 517 of 950 RTCs had been constructed. The JUSIP scheme also saw the completion of 37.48 percent or 211 of 563 MTC/MTCC salas and 10.44 percent or 50 of 479 MCTC salas.

Liwag said that the DOJ has 28 ongoing projects costing P162,102,473.60. These involve 55 or 5.79 percent of 950 RTC salas and 20 or 1.92 percent of 1,042 MTC/MTCC/MCTC salas.

Still to be implemented are 15 projects for nine RTC salas and 12 MTC/MTCC/MCTC salas worth P45.65 million.

In Central Luzon, Liwag told The STAR that the JUSIP completed at least P100 million worth of justice halls. These are located in Balanga, Dinalupihan and Morong in Bataan; Malolos and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Cabanatuan City, Palayan city, San Jose City, Quezon and Sto. Domingo in Nueva Ecija; Angeles City and San Fernando City in Pampanga; Capas, Paniqui, Camiling, Gerona and Victoria in Tarlac and Iba and Olongapo City in Zambales. – Manny Galvez