Senate panel okays creation of new trial courts in 14 areas

THE Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights yesterday approved the creation of new trial courts in 14 areas to decongest the courts and improve the dispensation of the justice system in the country.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, panel chairman, said additional regional trial courts and municipal trial courts will be created in Rosario and San Juan in Batangas, Cabagan in Isabela, Navotas in Pagadian, Zamboanga Sur; Antipolo City in Rizal, Calauag in Quezon, and Dinagat Islands.

He said measures for the creation of additional courts in the Island Garden of Samal (Davao del Norte), Malaybalay (Bukidnon), Ormoc (Leyte), San Carlos City (Pangasinan), San Juan City and Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental) were also approved.

During yesterday’s hearing, Tolentino asked the Supreme Court what would be the considerations in creating additional courts.

“One, what is the meaning of the term ‘manageable level’? Number two, how much will we need for the creation of a new court? What I am referring to is not only the physical structure but also the salaries of the clerk of court, and the court personnel. Third, how many fiscals (prosecutors) do the Department of Justice need to deploy when the courts are created?” Tolentino said.

Court Administrator Raul Villanueva replied that 300 cases per court are considered “manageable,” adding the basic salary when creating a court would be around P5 million.

Villanueva said one RTC and one MTC would require at least two prosecutors, and one prosecutor, respectively. One public attorney is also required regardless of the type of court.