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REPRESEN
TWENTIETH CONGRESS ) ix A
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) fs RECEIVED 2)
First Regular Session DATE 04 AUG 2075

* TIME iM

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

HOUSE BILL NO. 293 8

Introduced by Honorable Celso G, Regencia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 16, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that
“all persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all
judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.” This constitutional mandate
underscores the importance of a judicial system that is not only fair but also
efficient and accessible to all.

Currently, the Hall of Justice in Iligan City, located in Barangay Tubod, is
experiencing significant infrastructural deterioration, which hampers its
capacity to serve the populace effectively. The facility’s deficiencies, including
undersized and insufficient courtrooms, the absence of dedicated archives for
legal documents, and the lack of secure storage facilities for physical evidence—
severely undermine the judiciary's ability to function in accordance with the
principles of justice and public service

The Hall of Justice also houses several key offices under the Department
of Justice (DOJ), including the Office of the City Prosecutor, Office of the
Provincial Prosecutor, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Office of Alternative
Dispute Resolution (OADR), and the Parole and Probation Administration. The
condition of the existing facility compromises the ability of these offices to
function effectively and serve the public.

Furthermore, several first-level courts can no longer be accommodated
within the confines of the current Hall of Justice. Consequently, they have been
compelled to operate from rented spaces located at considerable distances


from the main courthouse. These conditions have not only placed additional
logistical burdens on judges, court personnel, and DOJ employees, but have also
caused undue inconvenience to litigants and the general public, contributing to
delays in the disposition of cases.

The administration of justice necessitates not only the presence of
capable legal practitioners but also appropriate infrastructure to support their
vital functions. A Hall of Justice must embody values of integrity, efficiency, and
accessibility, serving as a beacon for all individuals seeking legal recourse.

This bill, therefore, seeks the construction of a new and modern Hall of
Justice in Iligan City. The proposed facility will include full-equipped and
functional courtrooms and offices, along with essential provisions such as
archives for legal documents, secure storage for pieces of evidence, and
accessibility features designed to accommodate persons with disabilities
(PWDs) and senior citizens.

By investing in the development of such infrastructure, we reaffirm our
unwavering commitment to the prompt and equitable delivery of justice,
thereby upholding the constitutional rights and dignity of every Filipino.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.2938

Introduced by Honorable Celso G. Regencia

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HALL OF JUSTICE FOR
ILIGAN CITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Authorization. - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is hereby
authorized to construct the new Hall of Justice for the City of Iligan.

SECTION 2. Funding Source. - The amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the
DOJ under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,