Municipal Trial Courts judges in Cebu offered to assist the Cebu provincial government by holding lectures for barangay captains on the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
The lectures, according to MTC of Naga City presiding judge Gerardo Gestopa, are aimed to inform the barangay captains of their prerogatives within the law, especially in reconciliation and mediation proceedings.
Gestopa said that with proper orientation, settling conflicts in the barangays will be more effective so raising them to a higher court will no longer be necessary.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who appreciated the said offer, suggested that they should seek the commitment first from all municipal officials, especially the Association of Barangay Councils for proper coordination and effective implementation.
The governor suggested to the judges to present the concept during the next Provincial Development Council meeting this month.
Gestopa said the offer of the judges to assist the provincial government was also a way of showing their gratitude for the latter’s support for the judiciary.
Last year, Garcia gave a P6,000 raise in the municipal judges’ allowance.
The additional allowance, according to the judges, helps them in some of their concerns, especially as some of them have to travel to their assignments in distant municipalities. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP