PB backs retention of CA offices here

The Provincial Board joined local leaders in Cebu in lobbying for the retention of the Court of Appeals offices in the cities of Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

The PB, in yesterday's regular session, also thanked Cebu congressmen Simeon Kintanar and Raul del Mar and Rep. Joey Salceda for the inclusion of a separate allocation in the national budget for the operating expenses of the offices of CA in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

The Supreme Court earlier announced its plan to close the CA offices here and Cagayan de Oro for lack of operational budget.

PB member Antonio Almirante, a practicing lawyer, said during a recess in the committee deliberation of the budget for the judiciary by the House committee on appropriations Del Mar delivered a privilege speech strongly interceding for the retention of the CA regional offices.

Kintanar also made representations to Salceda to ensure the inclusion of a separate item covering a substantial sum in the national budget for the judiciary to defray the operating expenses of the regional offices of CA while emphasizing the enviable performance record of the said regional offices.

Salceda assured Del Mar and Kintanar that appropriations have been set aside for the regional offices of Cain Cebu and Cagayan de Oro cities.

Members of the PB shared the observation of Almirante citing that the continued stay and operation of CA regional offices has proven to be very beneficial, convenient and economical especially to poor litigants in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The assignments of the three divisions of the CA in Cebu has significantly unburdened the lawyers and their clients of the hassles and costs in seeking relief from the CA.