9 new Luzon court branches created

MANILA, Philippines - Nine new court branches have been created in Baguio City and in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.

The courts were created by virtue of three laws signed by President Aquino on Nov. 11 and was published in The STAR yesterday.

Republic Act 10694 provided two municipal trial courts (MTC) in Angeles City, one in Mabalacat City and another in Magalang town, all in Pampanga.

RA 10695 formed a new regional trial court (RTC) branch in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, while RA 10698 created two RTC and two MTC branches in Baguio City.

The new laws amended provisions of Batas Pambansa 129 or the Judiciary Organization Act of 1980, and other related laws, executive orders, rules and regulations.

“The chief justice, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, should include in the Supreme Court’s program the operation of the new court branches,” the laws said.

Funds for the court operation will be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act, it said.