Two more RTC branches created for Naga, Carcar

CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law a legislation creating additional branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the cities of Naga and Carcar in a bid to unclog court dockets in the province and speed up the dispensation of justice. 

In yesterday’s press conference, first district Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas said there are no RTC branches in Naga and Carcar, and litigants have to travel to adjacent Cebu City Palace of Justice in order to attend criminal, civil, and special proceeding cases. 

With the approval of Republic Act No. 103481, the Supreme Court will assign the branch number of the newly created RTC branches.

The Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the court’s program the operationalization of the two RTC branches to be stationed in the two cities. 

The funds for the operation of the courts to be created shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of personnel. 

Aside from Naga and Carcar, additional branches will open in Mandaue and Bogo. 

Gullas said the new branches will hasten the de-clogging of court dockets and promote judicious dispensation of justice, especially for the poor. 

Congressional records would show that since the start of the 15th Congress until adjournment on February 6, President Aquino signed into law some 25 separate House-initiated bills creating forty-four (44) Regional Trial Courts (RTCs), 13 Metropolitan Trial Court (MTCs), and four (4) Municipal Trial Courts.

As of February 6, House records show that there are some 26 additional bills awaiting enactment mandating the establishment of more than 35 RTCs, 40 MTCs and 19 municipal trial courts.

Under the Constitution, a bill becomes part of the country’s statutes after the President signs it into law or when the measure is allowed to lapse into law after 30 days from receipt of the enrolled copy of the measure, which also contains a provision on the effectivity date.

The establishment of RTCs and other courts are considered as national laws since these are funded through the annual General Appropriations Act.  (FREEMAN)