New CA building to rise in SRP

CEBU, Philippines - Not just a mall and a condominium project will rise at the South Road Properties, it will also be the new home of the Court of Appeals Cebu Station.

Court of Appeals justices, Supreme Court justices and Cebu City Officials attended the groundbreaking yesterday of the new and more convenient location of the appellate court.

Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said on Apr. 26, 2010 the 7,123 square-meter lot was donated by former mayor and incumbent Rep. Tomas Osmeña to the SC for the new CA building.

It was on May 13, 2011 the title of the lot was transferred to the Supreme Court.

“This is the fourth groundbreaking and the final groundbreaking,” he said. 

Construction failed to follow the other three groundbreakings because of insufficient funds, but Carpio said there is already enough money to construct the building. 

The new appellate court is estimated to cost P300 million.

CA Justice Pampio Abarintos said the groundbreaking marks a momentous occasion as their dreams become a reality.

The CA started occupying a building in Barangay Labangon that used to be a convenience store in 2004.

Since then he said they already disposed 15,156 cases. 

As they cater to Regions 6, 7 and 8, he said they deserve a nicer, spacious and more presentable building as befitting the second highest court.

In his speech after the groundbreaking, Mayor Michael Rama said the building should be constructed right away. 

“Lets justice be served and no more delay if the new building will stand,” he added.

Osmeña said the CA building will be very beautiful as it faces the sunset.

Court administrator Midas Marquez said they hope that before the year ends they will have an engineering plan for the building and start construction by the middle of next year.

Marquez said they will be asking for reconsideration about the budget slash for the judiciary.

He said there was a budget slash for the construction of the Manila Hall of Justice and the special allowances of the judges and justices.

“We will be appealing with that provision once we will sit down before Congress for the budget hearing Thursday next week to iron it out,” he said.     - THE FREEMAN