President Marcos has approved the creation of 21 new regional trial court (RTC) branches, three metropolitan trial court (MTC) branches, and two municipal trial court branches across the country.
The President signed into law the measures calling for the creation of the new courts last October 17.
Under Republic Act 12029, two additional RTC branches will be created in Silang, Cavite; while three MTC branches will be created in Parañaque City under RA 12030; and two new RTC branches will be setup in Cabagan in Isabela under RA 12031.
Under RA 12032, three new RTC branches will be setup in San Jose, and two municipal trial court branches in San Jose and Basilisa in the Dinagat Islands.
On the other hand, RA 12033 created an RTC branch in Baybay City, Leyte; while RA 12034 allows the creation of six RTC branches in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay; and RA 12035 will create three RTC branches in Valencia City in Bukidnon.
RA 12036 will see the creation of four RTC branches in Tacloban City, also in Leyte.
Under the new laws, the Supreme Court (SC) is tasked to assign the respective branch numbers for the newly created trial court branches and to issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the said RAs and, if warranted, the realignment of seats of existing branches and their territorial jurisdiction.
The secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is likewise required to coordinate with the Chief Justice in overseeing the operationalization of the new court branches.
Funding requirements for the operation of the new courts will be appropriated and released upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of its personnel.
The RAs will take effect 15 days after they are published in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
