Additional court branches are set to be established across the country to improve judicial access and efficiency, following the approval of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
The newly signed 11 laws will create additional branches of the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) and Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs) in various regions, aiming to address the growing demand for judicial services in key areas across the country.
Under RA 12044, twelve RTC branches will be added in the Fourth Judicial Region, covering Los Baños and Cabuyao, Laguna, along with a new MTC branch in Cabuyao.
RA 12045 will establish two additional RTC branches and two MTC branches in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, in the Ninth Judicial Region.
Meanwhile, RA 12046 will create ten RTC branches and eight MTC branches in Antipolo City, Rizal, within the Fourth Judicial Region.
In the Eleventh Judicial Region, RA 12047 will introduce two additional RTC branches in Samal City and Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
RA 12048 will establish four RTC branches and four MTC branches in Ormoc City, Leyte, in the Eighth Judicial Region.
The Twelfth Judicial Region in Tubod, Lanao del Norte will see two new RTC branches under RA 12049.
RA 12050 will create one additional MTC branch in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, in the Tenth Judicial Region, while RA 12051 will add two MTC branches in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in the Sixth Judicial Region.
The National Capital Region will benefit from three new RTC branches and two MTCs, stationed in Navotas City, through RA 12052.
RA 12053 will add three MTC branches to the First Judicial Region in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
Lastly, RA 12054 will establish two RTC branches in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, in the Tenth Judicial Region.
Additionally, in August 2024, President Marcos signed a law creating three Shari’a Judicial Districts and 12 Shari’a circuit courts nationwide.
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