SC launches EJOW program in Navotas

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) launched its Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) program in Navotas City, which has only one trial court, Friday.

The program was launched by SC Associate Justice and EJOW committee chair Mariano del Castillo, Navotas Mayor John Reynaldo Tiangco said in a statement issued yesterday.

“The program is expected to provide easy and fast resolution of pending cases in our city court,” he said.

Tiangco said the city is looking forward to the approval of House Bill 04471 authored by former Navotas mayor and now Rep. Toby Tiangco, the mayor’s elder brother. The bill seeks to create three regional trial court branches and two metropolitan trial court branches in Navotas.

The elder Tiangco said the bill was approved by the House of Representatives and endorsed to the Senate for approval. He cited the importance of the EJOW program, particularly its lecture for barangay officials on solving cases at their level.

“With the barangay being the only arm of the government which exercises executive, judiciary and legislative functions, it is important that village officials undergo continuous training in the creation and implementation of local laws and ordinances,” he said.

The lawmaker said if barangay officials facilitate the resolution of cases, “this will also lessen the financial burden of the city government in terms of support for the medical, dental and daily food needs of the inmates” at the Navotas City Jail.

Del Castillo said “EJOW will soon reach other cities, municipalities and provinces.”