Via OMM Rosario
The new Hall of Justice stands as a testament to the commitment of improving judicial services in the region. It offers a larger and more modern space, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment for judges, court employees, and other judiciary personnel. This development is not only a boon for Rosario but also for the municipalities of Ibaan, Lobo, Padre Garcia, San Juan, and Taysan, which collectively have a population exceeding 400,000.
This inauguration comes at a critical time when the judiciary is grappling with case backlogs and delays. The new building will support the existing judicial infrastructure while awaiting the establishment of additional branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the Fourth Judicial Region, as proposed in Senate Bill No. 2242.
Senate Bill No. 2242: A Step Towards Judicial Efficiency
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Villar during the Nineteenth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, First Regular Session, Senate Bill No. 2242 aims to address the chronic issue of case backlogs in the regional trial courts. The bill proposes the creation of five additional branches of the RTC in the Fourth Judicial Region, with four branches stationed in Rosario and one in San Juan, Batangas.
Explanatory Note:
The bill highlights the constitutional right of all persons to a speedy disposition of their cases, as enshrined in Section 16 of Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Despite this protection, regional trial courts, including the RTC in Rosario, face escalating backlogs and delays due to a constant influx of new cases and a growing population. Currently, the Fourth Judicial Branch RTC of Batangas handles 1,200 criminal cases and 300 civil cases with just one judge and thirteen court employees, far exceeding the ideal ratio of 300 cases per branch.
Recognizing the pressing need for additional judicial resources, the bill advocates for the creation of five new RTC branches to alleviate the burden on the existing court system and expedite the resolution of cases. Although the establishment of these additional branches will take time, it represents a significant stride towards judicial efficiency.
Key Sections of the Bill:
1. Creation of Additional Branches:
- Four RTC branches in Rosario.
- One RTC branch in San Juan.
- The Supreme Court will assign the respective branch numbers for the newly created branches.
2. Implementation:
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, will include the operationalization of these branches in the Court’s program.
3. Funding:
- Necessary funds for the implementation of this Act will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, covering salaries, benefits, emoluments, court operations, and provisions for Halls of Justice or courtrooms.
4. Amendment of Existing Laws:
- Section 14(e) of Batas Pambansa Bilang 129, as amended, and other inconsistent laws, rules, and regulations will be amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.
5. Effectivity:
- The Act will take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
As the judiciary in Rosario, Batangas, embraces this new era with the inauguration of the Hall of Justice and the proposed legislative support, the commitment to upholding the constitutional right to a speedy and fair disposition of cases remains steadfast. This development is a pivotal step towards ensuring justice is served efficiently and effectively for the people of Rosario and its neighboring municipalities.