Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

‘Third Regular Session

2543

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. _
Submitters be cthy, fommitiee on Justice and the Committee on Appropriations on

6773
Re: Louse Bill No. _

Reconunending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos, 2306 and 5536

Sponsors: Representatives Niel C. Tupas, Jr., Jocelyn $. Limkaichong, Godofredo V.
Arquiza, Monique Yazmin Q. Lagdameo, and Marlen Abigail 5, Binay

Mr. Speaker:

ihe Committce on Justice and the Commit
referred House Bill No. 2306, introduced
entitled:

ttec on Appropriations, to which were
by Representative Godofredo V. Arquiza,

“AN ACT

CREATING FIVE (5) ADDITIONAL METROPOLITAN TRIAL
COURTS IN THE CITY OF MAKATI”

andl House Bill No. $536, introduced by Representatives Monique Yazmin Q. Lagilameo
and Mar-len Abigail S. Binay, entitled
‘AN ACT .
CREATING SIX ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED IN THE CITY OF MAKATI,
FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA
BILANG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE JUDICIARY


REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980", AS AMENDED, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR’

have considered the same and recommend that the attached House Bill No.
773 | entitled

“AN ACT

CREATING FIVE (5) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED IN MAKATI CITY, METRO
MANILA, 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 Nos, 2306 and 5336, with
Representatives Godofrede V. Arquiza, Monique Yazmin Q. Lagdameo, Marlen

Abigail S. Binay, Niel C. Tupas, Jr., andl Jocelyn $, Limkaichong, as authors
thereof, “

Respecgfully submitted,

Chairperson
Committee on Appropriations

fommittec on Justice

The Honorable

the Speaker

House of Representatives
Quezon City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FUTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

noustsnino. _ 6773

Introduced by Representatives Godofredo V. Arquiza, Monique Yazmin Q.
lagdameo, Marlen Abigail S. Binay, Niel C. Tupas, Jr, and Jocelyn 5
Limkaichong

AN ACT
CREATING FIVE (5) ADDITIONAL METROPOLITAN YRIAL COURT
BRANCHES IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION, TO BE
STATIONED IN MAKATI CITY, METRO. MANILA, AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT
OF 1980 AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be i roncted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Camgress assembled

SECTION 1. Five (3) additional Metropolitan Trial Court branches
with scats at Makali City, Metro Manila, are hereby created in the National
Capital Judicial Region.

The Supreme Court shall assign the branch number of the new ly-
Grated Metropolitan Trial Court branches in the National Capital Judicial
Region.

SEC. 2. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with

the Secretary of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the

Cour'’s program the operationalization of the five (5) additional Metropolitan
Trial Court branches to be stationed in Makati City, Metro Manila, the

funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


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

SEC. 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,


Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.__ 2306

introduced by Honorable Godofredo V. Arquiza

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create Five (5) Additional Metropolitan Trial Courts in
the City of Makati hy increasing the number of Metropolitan Trial Courts
from seven (7) to twelve (12), Amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg.
129, otherwise known as the judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980,
Appropriating Funds therefore and for other purposes.

Section 2, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states:

“The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe and
apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts but may not
deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases
enumerated in Section 5 hereof, xxx”

The Judicial Department is one of the principal organs of the
_____ _government_whose_main_task. is_the_administration and_dispensation-of—
Justice. No nation can ever attain political, social and economic progress,
stability and peace unless it has a Judiciary that is truly independent, effective,
efficient and worthy of public trust and confidence. Hence, the Judiciary plays
an indispensable role in achieving these ends.

The Makati Metropolitan Trial Courts have only seven (7) branches,
namely, Branch 61-67. In the City of Manila, there are thirty (30) branches
and in Quezon City there are thirteen (13) branches.


The monthly report of the civil and criminal cases fied in che
Metropolitan Trial Court of Makati for this year 2009 shows the following
data:

ONT) E FF!
January 2009 404;

February 2009 802;
March 2009 631;

April 2009 366;
May 2009 613;
June 2009 755;
July 2009 732;

August 2009 683;
September 2009 501;
October 2009 699;

The above report was submitted by the Clerk of Makati who deemed it
necessary to create additional court salas to expedite the dispensation of
justice in Makati City considering that the courts have been clogged by
Dumerous cases every month.

Whereas, the Regional Trial Courts of Makati comprise thirty (30)
courts, (Branch 56 to Branch 66, and Branch 132 to150), the Metropolitan
Trial Courts of Makati only have seven (7} branches.

To date, each branch of the Metropolitan Trial Courts has the foliowing
number of cases:

MTC Branch: PENDING CASES:

Branch 61 1,200 cases
Branch 62 917 cases
Branch 63 1,650 cases
Branch 64 1,020 cases
Branch 65 1,374 cases

Branch 66 1,550 cases


Branch 67 1,500 cases

With the number of existing cases pending and the influx of new cases
filed, the existing seven (7) Metropolitan Trial courts could not dispense and
dispose of the cases quickly, thus resulting in the clogging of dockets in the
court.

Moreover, in view of the rise of the filing of criminal! cases of violations
of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22, which are covered by the Rule on Summary
Procedure and fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Trial
Courts (AM. No. 00-11-01-SC dated March 25, 2003 by the Supreme Court},
and considering the rapid population growth and increase of business
establishments and commercial activities in Makati, there is an alarming
upsurge in the civil and criminal cases being filed in the existing branches of
the Metropolitan Tria! Courts.

The Metropolitan Trial Courts of Makati can deliver effectively,
efficiently, swiftly and perform better by the creation of additional courts.
Makati City deserve an improved quality of life through fast and efficient
administration of justice. There is a therefore need to create additional! court
salas of Metropolitan Trial Courts to expedite the dispensation of objective
justice on the concerned litigants.

With the courts properly functioning, national stability in all its spheres
and dimensions can be maintained and legal certainty and the rule of law are
assured. This Judicial Reform will answer the need to improve the effective
and efficient administration of justice which is indispensable for effective

governance.

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

GODOFREDO ¥. ARQUIZA


Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 2306

Introduced by Honorable Godofredo V. Arquiza

AN ACT CREATING FIVE (5) ADDITIONAL
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS
IN THE CITY OF MAKATI

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as “An Act
Creating Five (5) Additional Metropolitan Trial Court Branches in
the City of Makati, Amending for the Purpose Section 27 paragraph
10 of Batas Pambansa Big. 129 otherwise known as the Judiciary
Reorganization Act of 1980 as Amended and Appropriating Funds

Therefore.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section 2, Article Vill of the 1937
Constitution states:

“The Congress shall have the power to define, prescribe and
apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts but may not
deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction over cases
enumerated in Section 5 hereof. xxx"

Consonant with these constitutional principle, the following
are the Declared Policies of this Act:

{a) to recognize the number of existing cases pending and the
influx of new cases filed in the existing seven (7) Metropolitan
Trial Courts in Makati City;


5} to recognize that the seven {7} Metropolitan: Trial Courts in
Makati could not dispense and dispose of the cases quickly, which
results to the clogging of dockets in the court; and

{c) To help reduce and ease the court dockets in the Metropolitan
Trial Courts of Makati City;

In accordance with these policies, this Act aims to:

To create five (5) additional Metropolitan Trial Courts in
Makati City.

Section 3. Amending Section 27 of BP 129 to read as follows:

“Section 27. Metropolitan Trial Courts of National Capital Region,
~ There shall be a Metropolitan Trial Court in the National Capital
Region, to be known as the Metropolitan Trial Court of Metro
Manila, which shall be composed of (Ninety-Seven (97) ONE-
HUNDRED TWO (102) branches. There shall be:

2K

Twelve (12) branches (Branches LXI to LXXH) for Makati with
seats thereat;

Bod

Section 4. Duty of the Supreme Court - The Supreme Court shall
assign five (5) additional branches of the Metropolitan Trial Court
in the City of Makati in accordance with this act.

Section 5. Government Assistance - The Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of the
Department of Justice, shalt immediately include in the court’s


nal ive (5} Metropolitan
funding of which shal! be
jations Act.

program the operation of the ad
‘Trial Courts in the City of Makati,
included in the Annual General Ap

Section 6. The Supreme Court shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act, and if
warranted, the realignment of the seats of existing branches and
their territorial jurisdictions,

Section 7. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect within fifteen
(15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

GODQFREDO V. ARQUIZA



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 5536

Introduced by Hon. MONIQUE YAZMIN Q. -AGDAMEO and Hon. MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BLNAY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our Constitution mandates that ‘all persons shall have the right to a
speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or
administrative bodies,” Section 16, Article II], 1987 Constitution.

The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (B.P. 129) created, reorganized,
and apportioned the corresponding number of courts per judicial region based on
the exigencies at the time. Thirty years alter the effectivity of B.P. 129. the
population of the country has continued to balloon and the volume of cases filed
has increased astronomically. Consequently, the court dockets have been
clogged, resulting in delays in the resolution of cases.

In order to improve the disposition of cases and administration of justice,
the number of courts must necessarily be increased.

In particular, from the data and recommendation of the Office of the Court
Administrator, the combined caseload of the seven existing branches of the

[etropol ‘ourt [MeTC] mm ii City is around 8,053 with an average
caseload of 1,150 per branch. The ideal caseload per MeTC branch being 500 -
600, the ideal numbcr of MeTC branches for the city then is 13; thus, the
proposal to create six additional branches.

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

Mire HON. sant bi ‘AIL S. BINAY

HON. Q.)
resentative Represenfative
‘irst District, Makatl City ‘Second District, Makati City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
- Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

55386

HOUSE BILL NO.

introduced by Hon. MONIQUE YAZMIN Q. LAGDAMEO and Hion. MAR-LEN ABIGAIL S. BINAY

AN ACT

CREATING SIX ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE METROPOLITAN

TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION TO BE
STATIONED IN THE CITY OF MAKATI, FURTHER AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE 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 Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Six additional Metropolitan Trial Court branches for Makati City, with seats
thereat, are hereby created in the National Capital Judicial Region.

SEC. 2. The Supreme Court shail assign the respective branch mumbers for the newly
created branches.

SEC. 3. The Chief of Justice of the Supreme Coun. in coordination with the Sceretary of the
Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the Coun’s program the implementation of this
‘Act. The funding therefor shall likewise be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. Section 27 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, otherwise known as “The Judiciary
Reorganization Act of 1980,” as amended. as weil as other provisions that may be inconsistent
herewith, is herehy deemed repealed, modified andor further amended.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.



Republic afthe Philippines
House of Representatines
@urzon City, Heten Aanils

apo

November 20, 2012 Nf ¥ hie Am

TION. NIEL C. TUPAS, JR.
Chaarperson
Committee on Justice

Dear Chairperson Tapas:

Please be informed that the Committee on Appropriations in its mccting held today at
Conference Rooms 3 and 4, Ramon V. Mitra Building, approved to report out the
following bills

1.

Substitute Bil to House Bi Nos. 182 and 183, titled “AN ACT CREATING SOU (4)
ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT AND TWO. (2)
ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES FOR THE
PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA TO BE STATIONED IN SAN JOSE CITY (2) THE
SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ (2), AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIZAL, AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE SEC. 14, PARAGRAPH (Cj, SECTION 29, AND SECTION 20 OF
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 123, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE
JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR®,

Subsutute Bill to House fil No. 750. titled “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE PROVINCE OF BULACAN TO BE
STATIONED IN SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SEC.
14 PARAGRAPH (C) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG 129, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS “THE JUDICIARY RGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR’

Substitute Bil fo House Bil No. 899, ttled “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE PROVINCE OF CEBU T2 BE
STATIONED IN DANAO CITY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 74,
PARAGRAPH (H) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG 129, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE ‘JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980. AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Subsutuie Bill to House Bill Nos. 1422 and 1423, tited “AN ACT CREATING AN
ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE ISLAND GARDEN
CITY OF SAMAL, AND A MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT TO BE STATIONED IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF STO. TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE, AMENDING FOR ~HE


PURPOSE SEC. 14, PARAGRAPH (L) AND SECTION 30 OF BATAS PAMBANSA LG.
128, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ‘JUDICIARY REORGA IZATION
ACT OF 1880, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR".

Substitute Bill to House Bilt No. 1906, tied “AN ACT CREATING AN AODITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS:
ORIENTAL TO BE STATIONED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TAGOI OAN, AMENDING
FOR THE PURPOSE SEC 14. PARAGRAPH (kK) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BI 8, AS
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 'JUCIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF
1980, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR"

Substtute Bill fo House Bill No 4968, titled “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH IN THE THIRD JUDICIAL REGION TO BE
STATIONED AT THE CITY OF MEYCAUAYAN, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AMENDING
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14, PARAGRAPH (C) OF BATAS PAMBAISA BLO
[28 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980"
AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR";

House Bill No. 5341, ted “AN ACT CREATING THREE (3) ADDITIONAL R=GIONAL
TRIAL COURT BRANCHES tty THE PROVINCE OF BUKIONON TO BE STATIONED Q
AL THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY AND (1) AT THE CITY OF VALENCIA, SENDING
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION FOURTEEN (14), PARAGRAPH (Ky OF BATAS
PAMBANSA BLG. 129 OF JUDICIARY
REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980. AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR",

House Bill No. 5335, ttled “AN ACT CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF
THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT INV THE FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION To BE
STATIONED AT THE CITY OF LUCENA, PROVINCE OF QUEZON  =JRTHER
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS 'PAMBANSA BILANG 129, OT}« RWISE
KNOWN AS 'THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980", AS AMENE
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR*:

Substitute Bill to House Bil! No 5583, tiled “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE EIGHT JUDICIAL REG ON TG
BE STATIONED AT THE CITY OF ORMOC, PROVINCE OF LEYTE AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 PARAGRAPH (l) OF BATAS PAMBANSA Bis 129.
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1080 AS
AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR".

Mouse Gil No. S597. titled “AN ACT CREATING TWENTY-TWO (22) ADDITIONAL
BRANCHES OF THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL
MUDICIAL REGION FOR QUEZON CITY, WITH SEATS THEREAT FURTHER:
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 129, OTHERWISE
ANEMINAS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED AND.
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR®.

+ Substlute Sil to House Bill No 6837. titled "AN ACT CREATING FOURTEEN (14)

ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT AND SEVEN

OF TARLAC, TO BE STATIONED AT TARLAC CITY. AND AT THE MUNICIPA_ITIES,
CE PANIQUI, CAPAS, CAMILING, VICTORIA.LA PAZ, CONCEPCION STA sShACIO-
SAN CLEMENTE, MONCADA AND GERONA, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 14, PARAGRAPH (C} SECTION 23 AND SECTION 59 OF SATAS
PAMBANSA BLG. 128, GTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE JUD CIARY



44

18,

16

17,

18

19

REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AS AMENDED, AND APP
THEREFOR",

‘Substitute Bill to House Bill No 2306, ttled "AN ACT CREATING |
METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT BRANCHES IN THE NATIONA

REGION, TO BE STATIONED IN MAKATI CITY, METRO MANI

THE PURPOSE SECTION 27 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129. (

AS THE JUDICIARY RECRGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AL soneeacc, Ai
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR":

‘Substitute Bitl to House Bill No. 3372, btied “AN ACT CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL
SRANCHES OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN THE BIGHT JUDICIAL REGION
TO BE STATIONED AT THE CITY OF CALBAYOG, PROVINCE OF WESTERN
SAMAR. AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 29 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLO.
128, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT O= 1680"
AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR";

Suostture Bil to House Gill No 2958, tied "AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ADDITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT IN THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA TO BE
STATIONED IN CAUAYAN CITY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14,
PARAGRAPH (8) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BG 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN £S THE
JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR",

House Bil No. 4670, titled “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL BRANCH C= THE
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TO 3E STATIONED AT THE CITY OF GUIHUI IGAN,
BROVINCE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION te
PARAGRAPH (H). OF BATAS PAMBANSA BiG, 128, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE
UUBICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AS AMENDED, AND APPROPR.ATING
FUNDS THEREFOR",

Substitute Bill t House Bil No. 4708. tited “AN ACT CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL
HONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCHES IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL
ION, TO BE STATIGNED IN PARAFAQUE CITY, METRO MANILA, AMENDING
FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 PARAGRAPH (D) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG,
TeRLOTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1680 AG
AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR",

Subsbtute Bill to House Bill No. 4749, titled "AN ACT CREATING TWO (2) ACOITIONAL
BRANCHES OF THE MUNICISAL TRIAL COURT IN. CITIES (MTCC) IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEZON TO BE STATIONED AT LUCENA CITY, AMENDING FOR

Substitute Bill to House Sill No S586 btied "AN ACT CREATING FIVE (8) ADDITIS
BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL Ti
or ne METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL Jus Al
REGION, TO BE STATIONED IN MALABON CITY, METRO MANILA, AMENDING FOR
THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 {D} AND SECTION 27 OF BATAS PAMBANSA Si
SAR RWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980 AS
AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR"

Sussttute Bill to House Bill No. $839. btled “AN ACT CREATING FIVE (5) ADDITICNAL
BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRAIL COURT AND FIVE 49) ADDITIONAL
SRANCHES OF THE METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT IN THE NATIONAL CAP TAL


JUDICIAL REGION, 10 BE STATIONED IN PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 (D) AND SECTION 27 OF BATAS
PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION
ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR™ and

20. Substitute Bill to House Bill No. 6418. tited “AN ACT CREATING AN ADDITIONAL
BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT TO BE STATIONED \ THE
MUNICIPALITY OF BONGABONG, AND FOUR (4) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE

MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT TO BE STATIONED iN THE MUNICIPAI OF
BANSUD, SULALACAO, GLORIA AN!) MANSALAY, ALL IN THE PROVI OF
ORIENTAL MINDORO, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 14 (=) AND

SECTION 30 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG, 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN 4S THE
JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR"

‘Sith omnibus amendment to the proposed appropriations provisions as follows.
Delete the last sentence which reads as follows:

THE FUNDS NECESSARY FOR TLE OPERATION OF THR COURT HEREIN:
CREATED SHALL RE APPROPRLATED AND RELEASED ONLY UPON THE

ACTUAL ORGANIZATION OF THE COURT AND THE APPOINTMENT OF
1TS PERSONNEL.

It was also moved that the title of House Bill No. $837 be amended to reflect the correct
name of the place fom STA. IGNACIO ~ SAN CLEMENTE, MONCADA AND
GERONA TO STA. IGNACIA - SAN CLEMENTE, MONCADA AND GERONA.

Chairperson
Committee on Appropriations

te: Rep. Joseph Gibert F. Viotago
Rep. Arturo B Robes
Rep. Ramon "Red" H. Ourano VI
Rep. Artonia F. tagdameo. Jr.
Rep. Yevgeny Vincent B. Emano
Rep. Linabetle Ruth R. Vitarica
Rep. Florencio T Flores, dr
Rep. vin M. Alcala
Rep. Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez
Rep. Jorge “Bott” Banat
Rep. Enrique 4. Cojuangeo
Rep. Susan A. Yap
Rep. Godofreds V. Arquiza
Rep. Mel Senen S. Sarmiento
Rep, Napaizon S. Dy
Rev. Edwin L. Olvarez
Rep. Josephine Veronaue R. Lacson- Noe!
Rep. Imelda Cafixto-Rubiano
Rep. Reynaldo V. Uma


MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE HELD ON 04 SEPTEMBER
2012, TUESDAY, 9:30 A.M. AT CONFERENCE ROOMS 1 & 2, RVM BUILDING, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, QUEZON CITY

GUESTS:

ATTY. ANTONIO EUGENIO, JR. ~ Deputy Coury Administrator, Supreme Court

ATTY. MANUEL CO ~ Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Bureau of Corrections

ATTY. PERSIDA ACOSTA ~ Chief, Public Attorney's Office (PAO}

P/SUPT-II RAMON REYES — OIC, New Bilibid Prison (NEP)

SUPT ANTONIO CRUZ ~OIC, Administrative Division, Bureau of Corrections (BuCcr)
DR. CYNTHIA ANDRADA - OIC, Reception and Diagnostic Center, BuCor

MR. ALFREDO DEVARAS ~ Chie’, BuCor Reservation Support Services (BRSS)

MR. ROLLO ALARCON ~ Chief, Program Management Office (PMO), BuCor

MR. RAFAEL RAGOS ~ Deputy Director, National Bureau of investigation (NBI)

MS. MARIA TERESA DE CASTRO ~ Sparts and Recreation Office, BuCor

MR. MELITO GLRONIMO, JR. — President, Bureau of Corrections Emplovees’
Association (BUCOREA}

12, DR. RENANTE BASAS ~ Director IV, Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

23. ATTY, JESSICA GAMBOL SCHUCK - Atty. V, CHR

bee PN aM eUNE

ES

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Rep. Niel C. Tupas, Jr., Chairman of the Committee on Justice called the meeting to order at
9:52 a.m. The Chairman called on Atty. David Robert Amorin, Service Director of the
Legal/Political Cluster to lead the prayer. Rep. Rodolfo Albano, Jr. thon moved to dispense
with the roll cali. The motion was duly seconded and approved,

I APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 14, 2012 MEETING

Rep. Albano moved to dispense with the reading of the Minutes and to approve the seme.
Both motions were duly seconded and approved.

I MEETING PROPER

A. CREATION OF ADDITIONAL COURT SALAS [House Bill Nos. 2306, 2958, 3372, 4265,
4670, 4708, 4719, 5531, 5558, 5566, 5839 and 6418}

The Chairman presented to the members of the Committee the various Iause Bills creating
additional court salas. He stated that during a meating of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC),
the members of the JBC agreed that with regard to the creation af new court satas, ine
Committee shall base its decisions on the recommendations of the Supreme Court. The
Chairman then called on Deputy Court Administrator Antonio Eugenio, Jr. to comment on
the said House Bills. OCA Eugenio questioned the creation of tour (4) Regional Trial Cou-ts
(RTCs) in separate locations in Catoocan City as provided in HB 4265 He stated that tre
reason for the splitting of the 4 RTCs into separate locations (Caloocan City Proper and



») must be clarified. OCA Eugenio also deferred his
conduct further studies on the need for

Caloocan City North Stati
recommendations on HB 5534 and 5358 in order
the creation of additional court salas in Olongapo, Zambales and in Pasig City

With regard to HB 5566, the Chairman manifested that the author of the bill, Rep. Josephine
tacson-Noel, has submitted an amendment to the bill such that there w'" be two (2)
additional Metropoiitan Trial Court (MeTC) branches instead of just one (1) in Malabor. DCA.
Eugenia expressed his agreement to the amendment and did not interpose any objection
thereto.

Rep. Albano stated that there are some local government units (LGUs) where salzs are
provided, but which do not have judges ar personnel, He recommended that the furds for
newly created salas be released only upon the actual organization of such courts. DCA
Eugenio agreed to raise this issue to the Caurt Administrator.

After the comments from DCA Eugenro, the Chairman deferred action on HB Nos. 4265,
5531 and 5558 pending the written recommendation to be submitted by the Office <f the
Court Administrator on September 7, 2012. Rep. Albano then made an omnibus mot an to
approve the remaining nine (9) bills, subject to form and style, and subject further that the
funds appropriated to such court salas shall be released only upon the actual organization
thereof. The motion was duly seconded and there being no objection, and the :ollowinz bills
were approved on the Committee level:

HB No, 2306 re: 5 MeTC (Makati City) by Rep. G. Arquiza;

HB No. 2958 re: 1 RTC (Cauyan, tsabela} by Rep. N. Dy;

HB No. 3372 re: 2 MTC {Calbayog} by Rep. Sarmiento;

HB No. 4670 re: 1 RTC (Guihuingan, Negros Oriental} by Rep. Linkaichong:
HB No. 4708 re: 2 RTC (Parafiaque) by Rep. Ofivarez;

HB No. 4719 re: 2 MTCC (Quezon) by Rep. Alcala;

HB No. 5839 re: 5 RTC and 5 MeTC {Pasay) by Rep. Catixto-Rubiano;

HB No, 6418 re: 4 MTC (Orientat Mindoro) by Rep. R. Umali; and,

HB No. 5566 re: 2 MeTC and 5 RTC (Malabon! by Rep. J. Noel

VON NY Rw Ne

B. SUSPENSION OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE

After the approval of the omnibus motion of Rep. Albano, the Chairman suspendec the
mecting of the Committee in order to give way to the joint meeting of the Committees on
Justice and Government Reorganization. The meeting was suspended at 10-15 a.m

© CONTINUATION OF THE DELIBERATION ON THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS
MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2011 (House Bil! Nos. 197, 712, 2880, 4629, 4766, 5546,
5741 and 5926, and House Resolution No. 1327}

The meeting of the Committee on Justice resumed at 10:45 a.m. upon the acjaurnmer- of
the joint meeting of the Committees on Justice and Government Reorganization. The


Chairman informed the members that the Committee conducted three (3) public hearings
with regard to the BuCor Modernization Act of 2011, These public hearings were hele in the
New Bitibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. the Correctional Instilutio~ for Women
Mandaluyong City, and the iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
The Chairman added that the next public hearing will be conducted either in the Saslayan
Penal Colony in Oriental Mindoro or in the avao Penal Colony in Davao del Sur.

After his preliminary remarks, the Chairman asked the resource persons about the stazus of
the “kubols” found in the New Bilibid Prison {NBP), PSupt. Rumon Reyes answered that not
all of the “kubols” were demolishea but were instead restructured wherein each “Kubol”
now houses five (5) inmates. These “kubols” are also now uniform structures. PSupt. eyes
added that the “living-out” privileges were abolished in response to the recommendstians
of the members of the Committee during :he public hearing held in the NBP.

The members of the Committee raised questions regarding the “kidnapping” insdent
involving Rolito Go last August. Deputy Director Rafael Ragos of the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) answered that the NBI and the Criminal Investigation and Detection
Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP} arc investigating the incident. However,
Dep. Dir. Ragos stated that the NBI tends to helieve the theory of kidnapping, based ca the
feport submitted by the NBI to the DOJ. He also acknowledged the presence of a syndicate
inside the NBP compound which is involved in these so-called kidnapping incidents.

Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil requested that the BuCor submit to the Committee 2 copy ¢* the
feport of the DOJ regarding the review of the rues and regulations of the 3uCor. FuCor
Administrator Manuel Co agreed to the reauest of Rep. Bataoil.

Sought for comments on the proposed BuCor Modernization Bill, Dr. Renante Basas c* the
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed his support to the bill, adding thar the
modermization of the BuCor will hicln the Philippines meet the UN standards or the
treatment of prisoners. He also stressec the importance of human rights-based appraach
to prison management.

Asked by the Chairman whether there is a need to centralize the jails and penal faci ties
under the separate jurisdictions of the BuCor, Bureau of fail Management and Peno ogy,
and provincial jails, Administrator Co replied that = single jail system might be feasible,
under a Department of Corrections. However. Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Presida
Acosta expressed her reservations te such a proposal, claiming that centralization migh: be
difficult on the management of inmates and detainees. instead, PAO Chief Acosta proposed
that the only alternative is to strengthen the BuCor

After the above discussions, the Chairman instructed the BuCor to submit ‘o the Commirtee
within one week a report on the various issues raised during the mecting, including 1.) :he
“kuhol” system”, 2.) living-out privileges, 3.) illegal drugs, 4.) prostitution, 5 } kidnapging,
and 6.) guns-for-hire,


Rep. David Kho moved that a Technical Working Group {TWG) be created in order to
consolidate all the bills on the modernization of the BuCor, The mation was di:ly seconded
by Rep. Bataoil, and there being no objectron thereto, zhe motion was carried

sv. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Tupas adjourned the meeting at 11:48 a.m.

Prepared by:

Supervising Legistative Staff Officer-1

Certified Correct by:

Committee Secretary
Commizee on Justice

|. NIELC. TUPAS.
eran
Committee on Justice