Senate
of tiie ^vrictavjf
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] 
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 1204
WG 17 /Ml 54
RHCEIVlO b\,
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF FAMILY COURTS IN THE 
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION, TO BE STATIONED IN THE CITY OF 
VALENZUELA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Swift and fair judicial administration is crucial for promoting economic growth, 
sustainable development, peace and order, respect for human rights, and protection 
of families as a basic unit of society. Where access to and administration of justice is 
impartial and expeditious, people and businesses will put their trust in the government 
and will feel confident in investing in the country. However, the tale of judicial 
administration in the Philippines is unfortunate.
In Valenzuela, only ten (10) courts are serving a population of 13.5 million 
Valenzuelanos.1 This translates to having only one (1) court for every 1.35 million 
residents.
1 Philippine Statistics Authority (May 1, 
2020); https://psa.gov.ph/population-and-
housing/node/165009


This hapless state of judicial administration is further reflected in the number 
of new cases filed before Family Courts in Valenzuela City compared to those filed in 
their regular courts. From October 11, 2018 to July 7, 2022, the distribution of cases 
in Family Courts averages at 1,032 newly-filed cases per court, which is higher than 
the average of 783 newly-filed cases per regular court, as shown below:
Jurisdiction
Number of Courts
Total Newly Filed 
__ Cases_____
4,703
Average Newly Filed 
Cases per Court*
Regular
6
783
Family
3
3,097
1,032
Commercial
1
742
742
Total
10
8,542
854
Source: Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela
*Rounded off
This disparity in the average number of cases received by Family Courts will 
not only delay the disposition of family-related cases, but will also prolong the agony 
of children and the hostilities among family members residing in Valenzuela City. This 
runs counter to the best interest of the child as well as the protection of families as a 
basic unit of society and as a primary consideration of the city government.
Thus, this measure seeks to create two (2) additional Family Courts in 
Valenzuela City pursuant to the Family Courts Act of 1997 with the objectives of 
speeding up administration of justice and promoting the best interest of the child and 
the protection of the family. The number of additional courts has been recommended 
by Valenzuela City stakeholders, especially those involved in advocacies for women, 
children and family, mitigating juvenile delinquency, among other family-related 
issues.
earnestly sought.
for the passage of this measure is
lATCHAL:


Senate
^g- v <©ffiiT of tliC ,'%i -; pfarj’
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 1204
'22 AUG 17 All 54
RliCEIVeO UV;
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF FAMILY COURTS IN 
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION, TO BE STATIONED IN 
THE CITY OF VALENZUELA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Creation of Two (2) Family Courts. - Two (2) additional
2 
branches of Family Courts are hereby created in the National Capital Judicial
3 
Region, to be stationed in the City of Valenzuela, in accordance with the
4 
provisions of Republic Act No. 8369, otherwise known as the "Family Courts
5 
Act of 1997"
6 
The Supreme Court shall assign the respective branch number for the
7 
newly-created Family Court branches.
8
9 
SEC. 2. Operationalization and Appropriation of the Newly Created
10 
Courts. - The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the
11 
Secretary of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the Court's
12 
program the operationalization of the two (2) new additional branches of Family
13 
Courts in the City of Valenzuela. The funds necessary for the operation of the


courts herein created shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual 
organization of the court and the appointment of its personnel.
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, rules and regulations which 
are inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed, or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 4. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Officia! Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,