SC welcomes creation of 17 new courts

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court welcomed yesterday the creation of 17 new courts as provided in three new laws signed by President Aquino last week.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, who supervises appellate and lower courts, said Republic Acts 10339, 10340 and 10341 would be a big help in the speedy administration of justice in five cities and municipalities with big caseloads.

“We welcome the creation of new courts in Laguna, Cebu and Valenzuela City... The creation of new courts in these areas will definitely reduce the backlogs to more manageable levels,” Marquez said in a text message.

The new laws were published in The STAR yesterday.

Under RA 10339, five additional regional trial courts (RTCs) will be in Calamba City and Los Baños and Cabuyao towns in Laguna. 

RA 10340 creates five new RTC branches in Bogo City in Cebu, while RA 10341 creates four new RTC branches and three metropolitan trial court branches in Valenzuela City.

The new laws amended section 14, paragraph (e) of Batas Pambansa 129 or The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980.