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Republic of the Philippines [> RECEIVED

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES [2 D7 gebruary 28,2023
Quezon City * TIME 1:23pm *
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS J ry
First Regular Session wip INDE

HOUSE BILL NO. 7326

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MA. R. ZUBIRI, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 11, Article Ill, of the 1987 Constitution provides that Free access to the
courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied
to any person by reason of poverty. The establishment of additional courts
guarantees this right of the people under the Constitution as justice is made more
accessible.

Likewise, the establishment of a Regional Trial Court have significant benefits for
the local community. It will improve access to justice as constituents will no longer
need to travel long distances to reach the nearest Regional Trial Court which can
be both time-consuming and costly. A nearer court would help ensure that their
legal rights are protected and disputes are resolved more efficiently. This is
particularly important for cases that require urgent attention. A nearer court would
also mean a faster resolution of cases—something that is essential for maintaining
public trust in the judicial system.

Given the foregoing, this bill seeks to establish a Regional Trial Court in the
Municipality of Quezon in the Third District of Bukidnon as this will promote greater
social stability and respect for the law in the area. As such, the approval of this bill
is earnestly sought.

MA. R. ZUBIRI, JR.
ict, Bukidnon

REP.
Third,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7326

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MA. R. ZUBIRI, JR.

AN ACT
CREATING ONE (1) ADDITIONAL BRANCH OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL
COURT IN THE 10™ JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED IN THE
MNICIPALITY OF QUEZON, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 14(K) OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 129, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“THE JUDICIARY REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1980’ AS AMENDED

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

Sec. 1. One (1) additional branch of the Regional Trial Court in the Tenth Judicial
Region is hereby created and stationed in the Municipality of Quezon, Province of
Bukidnon

The Supreme Court shall assign the branch number for the newly created branch
of the Regional Trial Court.

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
coperationalization of one (1) additional branch of the Regional Trial Court in the
Municipality of Quezon, Province of Bukidnon, the funding of which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act

Sec. 3. Section 14 (K) 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 in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,