Republic of the Philippines je REC VED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ss DATE? EP 06 v0 6 2022
Quezon City =

NINETEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

4481

HOUSE BILL NO, __"

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create two additional branches of the Regional Trial Court
(RTC) and the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in the City of Mati, Davao
Oriental.

The past years have seen the continued growth of the City of Mati as an
education, tourism, and economic hub of Davao Oriental. Business is on the uptrend
due to the availability of vital facilities in the city that entice investors. Meanwhile, the
white sand beaches and resorts, natural wonders, and stunning landscapes of the
region are attracting both foreign and local tourists, leading to the establishment of
more resorts, hotels, and restaurants that cater to their needs.

Additionally, the official conversion of the Davao Oriental State University,
together with its satellite campuses, that offer world-class education is expected to
attract more incoming students from other regions of the country.

These developments have led to an increase in the region's population,
particularly in Mati City, as more people have taken advantage of the education and
economic opportunities. However, the influx of people also saw an increase in legal
cases, both criminal and civil. Currently, there are only two RTCs and one MTCC
handling all the cases. This means that the administration of justice is affected that
runs counter to Section 16, Article III of the Philippine Constitution which guarantees
the right of each person to a speedy trial.

This is a refiled bill as the House of Representatives in the 18 Congress
passed and approved the original bill.

In consonance with the State’s mandate of providing an effective mechanism
for the efficient administration of justice, support for this bill is earnestly sought.

CHEENO . ALMARIO
Retre five
24 District, Davao Oriental


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

4481

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

AN ACT
CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
AND TWO (2) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN
CITIES IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED IN THE CITY OF
MATI, PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 14(L) AND 29 OF BATAS
PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ‘THE JUDICIARY
REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980’, AS AMENDED

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

SECTION. 1. Two (2) additional branches of the Regional Trial Court and two
(2) additional branches of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities are hereby created in
the Eleventh Judicial Region and stationed in the City of Mati, Province of Davao
Oriental.

The Supreme Court shall assign the respective branch numbers for the newly-
created branches of the Regional Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court in Cities.

SEC. 2. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the
Secretary of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the Court's
program the operationalization of the two (2) additional branches of the Regional
Trial Court and two (2) additional branches of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities in
the city of Mati, Province of Davao Oriental, the funding of which shall be included in
the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Sections 14(I) and 29 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 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 publication in the
Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approv