Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

Third Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO,__ 2937
Submitted by the Committee on Justice and the Committee on Appropriations on
2012

Re: House BillNo.__ 6787
Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 5597

Sponsors: Representatives Niel C, Tupas, Jr, Jocelyn S. Limkaichong and
Jorge “Bolet” Banal

Mr, Speaker:

The Committee on Justice and the Committee on Appropriations, to which
was referred House Bill No. 5597, introduced by Representative Jorge “Bolet"
Banal, entitled

“AN ACT

CREATING TWENTY-TWO (22) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF
THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL
CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION FOR QUEZON CITY, WITH SEATS
THEREAT, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS.
PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE
JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980”, AS AMENDED,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR iT”

have considered the same and recommend that the attached House Bill No.
6767 _. entitled


“AN ACT
CREATING TWENTY-TWO (22) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED AT QUEZON CITY,
FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 OF BATAS
PAMBANSA BILANG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE
JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980", AS AMENDED, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

be approved in substitution of House Bill No. 5597, with Representatives jorge “Bolet”
Banal, Niel C. Tupas, Jr., and Jocelyn S. aichong, as authors thercof.

Respectfully submitted,

Chairperson
Comunittee on Appropriations ‘ommittee on Justice

The Honorable
The Speaker
House of Representatives

Quezon City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS:
‘Third Regular Session
Housk aicNo.__6767

Banal, Niel C. Tupas, Jr, and

Introduced by Kepresentatives Jorge “Bolet”
Jocelyn 8. Limkaichong

AN ACT
CREATING TWENTY-TWO (22) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
JUDICIAI. REGION TO BE STATIONED AT QUEZON CITY, FURTHER
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 OF BATAS PAMBANSA
BILANG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “JUDICIARY
REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980”, AS AMENDED, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR’

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiprines m
Congress ussemibled:

SECTION 1. Twenty-two (22) additional Metropolitan Trial Court
branches for Quezon City, with seats thereat, are hereby created in the
National Capital Judicial Region.

The Supreme Court shall assign the respective branch numbers for the
newly-created branches of Metropolitan Trial Courts in the National Capital
Judicial Region.

SEC, 2. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with
the Secrelacy of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the
Court's program the operationalization of twenty-two additional branches of
the Metropolitan Trial Court in Quezon City, the funding of which shall be

included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.


SKC, 3. Section 27 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, otherwise known as
“The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980” as amended, and all other laws,
rales and regulations which are inconsistent with this Acl are hereby
amended, repealed or modified accordingly

sl

4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
Publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
5EO7

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY: REP. JORGE “BOLET” BANAL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

it was in 1980 when the Judiciary Reorganization Act (Batas Pambansa Bilang 129) was
enacted for the purpose of establishing the number of courts for each judicial region
‘The basis was the exigencies existing at that time.

Section 14 of BP 129 provides that there shall be a Metropolitan Trial Court {MeTC) in
the National Capital Region composed of 82 branches, with 13 branches (Branches XXX!
to XLII) for Quezon City. After 31 years, however, it is apparent that this allocation of
seats is no Songer efficient. Population has grown considerably and the number of
caseloads per branch is beyond manageable. Meanwhile, litigants are forced to face
delays in the resolution of their cases.

Thus, there is a need to create additional MeTC branches in order give life to the
constitutional guarantee of speedy trial, ensure that judges are able to pramptly resolve
cases, and improve the administration of justice for the benefit of litigants as well as the
general public.

In view of the foregoing considerations, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ORGE “BOLET” B. BANAL
d District, Quezon City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BLN. SES7

iNTRODUCED BY: REP. JORGE “BOLET” BANAL

AN ACT CREATING TWENTY-TWO (22) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL
REGION FOR QUEZON CITY, WITH SEATS THEREAT, FURTHER
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF
1980,"AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR IT

Be it enacted by the Senate ond the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Twenty-two (22) additional Metropolitan Trial Court branches for Quezon
City, with seats thereat, are hereby created in the National Capital Judicial Region.

Section 2. The Supreme Court shall assign the respective branch numbers for the newly
created branches.

Section 3. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of
the Department of Justice, shall include in the Court's program the implementation of
this Act, the funding for which shall be included in the annual Generat Appropriations
Act.

Section 4, Section 27 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, otherwise known as "The Judiciary
Reorganization Act of 1980," as amended, as well as other provisions of 8P 128 that may

be inconsistent with this Act is hereby deemed amended or repealed accordingly.

Section 5.This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) upon its publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,


She

me
say

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE HELD ON 14 AUGUST
2012 AT CONFERENCE ROOM NOS. 9 & 10, R.V. MITRA BLDG, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, QUEZON CITY

INVITED GUESTS / RESOURGE PERSONS:

DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR ANTONIO EUGENIO, JR. - OFFICE OF THE COURT
ADMINISTRATOR, SUPREME COURT (OCA-SC)

PIC SUPT. CHRISTOPHER LAXA — PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP)

ATTY ARNALDO DIZON — PRESIDENT, INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES - TARLAC

MR. JOHN MANALASTAS — ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, NEWS PRODUCTION ~ GMA 7

ATTY. ROY IBAY — SMART/SUN CELLULAR

ATTY. MICHAEL URETA ~ PLDT

ATTY. ALEXANDER GOZON - GLOBE TELECOM

& Call to Order:

Hon. Niel C. Tupas, Jr, Chairman of the Commitee on Justice, calied the meeting to order at
10:00 am

H. Roll Call:
Upon the duly seconded motion of Hon. Lucy Gomez, the roll call was dispensed with.

Ul, Pretiminary Remarks:

Alter acknowledging the presence of some House members in the meeting, Hon. Tupas informed
the body that the first part of the meeting's agenda will deal with House Bills on the Graation of Court
Salas and those proposing an Anti-Stalking Act Thereafter, he said the Justice Committee will
‘adjourn and reconvene to meet in a joint meeting with the Committee on Goverment Reorganization
to deliberate on the measures regarding the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC)

WV. Deliberation Proper:
A. Creation of Additional Court Salas:
The following measures seek to create additonal court salas, to wit

© HBNo. 182 re: 2RTG/2 MTC (‘San Jose City, Nueva Edija) by Rep. J. Violago
«HB .No. 183 re: 2 RTC (Science City of Mufioz and Rizal - Nueva Ecija)

by Rep. J. Violago
HB No. 750 re: + RTC (San Jose Dei Monte City, Bulacan) by Rep. A Robes
HB No. 899 re: 1 RTC (Danao City, Cebu} by Rep. R. Durano
HB No. 1422 re: 1MTC (Sto, Tomas, Davao del Norte) by Rep. A. Lagdameo
HB No. 1423 re: 1 RTC (Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte }

by Rep. A. Lagdameo

HB No. 1906 re: 1 RTC (Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental) by Rep.Y. Emano
HB No. 4968 re. 1 RTC (Meycauayan, Bulacan) by Rep. L Villarica
HB No. 5341 re. 3 RTC (Malaybalay and Valencia, Buki¢non) by Rep. F. Flores
HB No. 5535 re. 2 RTC (Lucena City, Quezon) by Rep. t. Alcala
HB No. 5583 re: 1 RTC (Ormoc City. Leyte) by Rep. L. Gomez
HB No. 5597 re: 22 MTC (Quezon City, Metro Manila) by Rep. J. Banal
HB No 5837 re: 14 RTC & 7 MTC (Tarlac City, Paniqul, Capas, Camiling, Concepcion,
Victoriata Paz, Sta. Ignacio-Gan Clemente, Moncada & Gerona - Tarlac) by Reps. E.
Cojuangea and S. Yap

Upon observing that many of the authors were not present to sponsor thelr respective measures
the Chair nonetheless said that he will relax the Committee's policy that only those bits, whose


authors are present, will be taken up since this meeting was the first after the impeachment hearings.
He requested Justice Antonio Eugenio, Jr., Deputy Cour Administrator of the Supreme Cour. 10
‘comment on the proposals for the creabon af additional court sala.

“The Deputy Court Administrator said that legislative measures seeking to create new courts are
‘always weloame and added that the basis of the number of court salas proposed to be created was
the recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA). Asked by the Chair if the
proposal under House Bill No. 5597, authored by Hon. Jorge Banal, for the creation of 22 addtional
Municipal Trial Court (MTC) branches was recommended by the OCA, Justice Eugenio answered in
the affirmative.

Meanwhile, Hon. Susan Yap, one of the authors of HB No 5837, gave her sponsorship speech
where she emphasized the urgent need to creale additional court salas in her area because of the
huge backlog of cases in the courts’ docket Her statement was backed up by Mr. Amaido Dizon,
President of the integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ~Tartac, who said that upon coordination vath
the judges of Tarlac, there isa backlog af 6.000 cases still pending in the courts.

Upon hearing tus, Justice Eugenio commented that the ideat caseload target is 300 cases for the
RTs and 500 cases for the MTCs. Given the huge number of cases in the Tarlac courts, he said the
creation of new courts is imperative.

For her part, Hon, Gomez, author of HB No. 5882, said that her bil seeks the creation o an
addition RTC branch in Ormoe, Leyte in order to decongest the dockets of the 2 existing RTC
branches. She siressed that these 2 branches, Branch 12 and Branch 225, have @ caseload of 774
and 768 cases, respectively.

Simiaety, Hon. Linabelle Ruth Viiarica, author of HB No, 4968, proposed for the creation 3! an
additonal RTC branch in Meycauayan, Bulacan citing the 12,330 cases pending in the courts’ docxets
a the basis for such proposal. She added that while the seat of the proposed new branch will be in
Meycauauyan, the court wil service the judicial needs of 4 ather towns in Bulacan

‘After the 3 authors made their sponsorship speeches and responded lo some queries, Hon
Gomez moved for the omnibus appraval of all the bills proposing for the creation of additional court
‘salas which was duly seconded by Hon. David Kho. The motion was carried.

Hon. Yap manifested that an amendment be made in her bill, providing for 1 RTC branch each for
Capas and Concepcion, Tariac.

In reply to the inquiry of Hon. Villarica regaraing the budget for the creation of the new court sa.as,
the Chair explained the process involved in considering the funding provisions of bills proposing the
same He owever emphasized that usually. itis up to the bill’s author to follow up the funding but
added that there are sufficient funds for the creation of necessary court salas. He also added that in
‘similar bils approved by the Senate earlier on, the upper chamber introduced an amendment to the
funding provision of court sala bills which provides that “funds necessary for the operation of the
newly-created court shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the court
and appointment of its personnel.”

B. Anti— Stalking Act:

‘The Committee next detiberated on HB Nos, 3367, 5099 and 6114 respectively authored by
Hons. Salvador Escudero II|, Olosdado Arroyo and Inwin Tieng, proposing an Anti — Stalking Act

Betore giving the floor to Hon. Tieng. the Chair reminded the guests and resource persons to
attend the Committee's meetings when invited to, otherwise. @ subpoena may be issued to corrpel
‘herr attendance to the meeting, The Chair gave this stem reminder after he was informed that there
‘was no representative from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBN) to attend the meeting desoite
being sent an invitation,


authors are present, will be taken up since this meeting was the first affer the (mpeachment heanngs
He requested Justice Antonio Eugenio, Jr. Deputy Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, to
‘comment on the proposals for the crealion of additional court salas.

‘The Deputy Court Administrator said that legislative measures seeking to create new courts are
always welcome and added that the basis of the number of court salas proposed fo be created was
the recommendation of the Office of the Court Administrator (QCA). Asked by the Chair if the
proposal under House Bill No. 5597, authored by Hon. Jorge Banal, for the creation of 22 additional
Municipat Trial Court (MTC) branches was recommended by the OCA, Justice Eugenio answered in
the affirmative

Meanwhile, Hon. Susan Yap, one of the authors of HB No. 5837, gave her sponsorship speech
where she emphasized the urgent need to creale additional court salas in her area because of the
huge backlog of cases in the courts’ docket. Her statement was backed up by Mr. Amaldo Dizon,
President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IP) —Tarlac, who said thal upon coordination with
the judges of Tarlac, there 1s a backlog of 6,000 cases stil! pending in the courts.

Upon hearing this, Justice Eugenio commented that the ideal caseload target is 300 cases for the
RTCs and 500 cases for the MTCs. Given the huge number of cases in the Tarlac courts, he said the
czeation of new courts is imperative.

For her part, Hon. Gomez, author of HB No. 5583, said that her bil seeks the creation of an
addrtional RTC branch in Ormoc, Leyte in order to decongest the dockets of the 2 existing RTC
branches. She stressed that these 2 branches, Branch 12 and Branch 235, have a caseload of 774

and 769 cases, respectively.

Similarly, Hon. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, author of HB No, 4968, proposed for the creation of an
additonal RTC branch in Meycauayan, Bulacan citing the 12,330 cases pending in the courts’ dockets,
as the basis for such proposal. She added that while the seat of the proposed new branch will be in
Meycauauyan, the court will service the judicial needs of 4 other towns in Bulacan.

After the 3 authors made their sponsorship speeches and responded to some queries, Hon.
Gomez moved for the omnibus approval of all the bills proposing for the creation of additional court
salas which was duly seconded by Hon. David Kho. The motion was carried.

Hon. Yap manifested that an amendment be made in her bill, providing for 1 RTC branch each for
Capas and Concepcion, Tartac.

Jn reply to the inquiry of Hon Villarica regarding the budget for the creation of the new court sata
tne Chair explained the process involved in considering the funding provisions of bills proposing the
same. He however emphasized that usually, it is up to the bill's author to follow up the funding but
added that there are sufficient funds for the creation of necessary court salas. He also added that in
similar bills approved by the Senate earlier on, the upper chamber introduced an amendment to the
funding provision of court sala bills which prowdes that “funds necessary fdr the operation of the
newly-created court shall be appropriated and released onty upon the actual organization of the caurt
and appointment of its personnel.”

B. Anti Statking Act:

The Committee next deliberated on HB Nos, 3367, 5099 and 6114 respectively authored by
Hons Salvador Escudero Ill, Diosdado Arroyo and Irwin Tieng, proposing an Anti ~ Stalking Act

Before giving the fioor to Hon Tieng, the Chair reminded the guests and resource persons to
attend the Committee's meelings when invited to, otherwise, a subpoena may be issued to compel
their attendance to the meeting. The Chair gave this stem reminder atter he was informed that there
was no representative from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to attend the meeting despite
being sent an invitation,


For tus part Hon. Tieng manifested that his bil's explanatory note will serve as his sponsorship
speech and added that he 1s open (o any amendments that the Committee may propose for ‘1s
measure.

Citing the Anti-Statking laws of the United States, the Chair mentoned that the enaciment of sad
laws in that countly were fairy recent and was brought about as a result of the death of 2 celebrity,
Rebecoa Schaeffer, who was Sialked and killed by her assailant. In the Philippines, however, he sad
there 1s yet no law on stalking and only a civil action for damages under Article 26 of the Civit Code :s

‘what is applicable in the country.

‘The Chair asked Hon Tieng if his bill will apply to media men whe may, through a series of acis
such as repeated texting, e-mails, phone calls, cause emotional slress to the person they are
‘covering. In response, Hon. Tieng said if the court finds that the series of acts cause untoward stress
‘on the person, then the court may issue a protection order against them.

Asked for his comments. Deputy Court Admmistrator Eugenio opined that if the stalking undertaken
by the media is legitimate, wil the bill not contravene freedom of the press? A similar sentiment was
expressed by Atty. Alexander Gozon of Globe who said the measure may be construed as a restrant
on the freedom of expression.

Admitting that they perform the acts mentioned by the Chair, Mr. John Manalastas, assistant wce
president of GMA 7's news production, nonetheless asked if the work of media men can be an
exception. The Chair assured him in such a case, the rights of media practitioners will be protected,

Atty. Rey Ibay of Smart/Sun Cellular said that they are only responsible for the sending and
receiving of the message and do not have any part in the content which passes through the system,

Meanwhile, P/C. Supt. Christopher Laxa of the Philippine National Police expressed the agency's
support for the measure and informed the body that they filed cases similar to stalking but were only
Classified as unjust vexation. He added that the PNP had also entertained 10 cases of cyberstaking

After the discussions, Hon. David Kho made 2 motion for the approval of the measures and for the
creation of 2 technical working group that will consofidate the 3 bills. The motion was carTied and the
Chair announced that the bills were approved in principle, subject fo amendment and consolidation by
a technical working group to be composed of the authors of the 3 bills, Hon. Kho, representatives of
the DOJ, PNP, NBI, and the media sector

V. Adjournment:
‘The meeting was adjourned at 1.00 am.

Prey by.

ATTY. NARCISA H. GUEVARRA JAI
Commitee Secretary
Commitee on Justice

Committee on Justice