Presidential Decree No. 1439 (PD 1439) — Creating Additional Branches of the Courts of First Instance and City Courts, and New and Additional Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, in Certain Provinces and Cities.
WHEREAS, the rapid growth of population and the consequent
rise in the number of cases have increased the caseloads of the Courts of First
Instance and City Courts in certain provinces and cities to such an extent that
they are not able to expeditiously dispose of the many cases filed with said
courts;
WHEREAS, such growth of population has also given rise to
numerous juvenile and domestic relations problems in certain cities and
provinces;
WHEREAS, in order to make justice available promptly and
expeditiously, it is necessary to create additional salas where needed, to
restructure existing courts, and to create new or additional Juvenile and
Domestic Relations Courts in areas where juvenile and domestic problems are
concentrated;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby
decree, order and make as part of the law of the land the following:
INCREASE IN BRANCHES OF COURTS OF FIRST INSTANCE.
SECTION 1. INCREASE IN BRANCHES OF COURTS OF FIRST
INSTANCE.—Section 50 of the Judiciary Act of 1948 (Republic Act No. 296, as
amended) is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 50. Judges of First Instance of Judicial
Districts.—Sixteen judges shall be commissioned for the First Judicial
District. Seven judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the
Provinces of Cagayan and Batanes and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh branches thereof; the judge of
the second branch to preside also over the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Batanes;
"Five judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Isabela, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth and
fifth branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Nueva Vizcaya, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof; and
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Quirino.
"Twenty-eight judges shall be commissioned for the Second Judicial District.
Six judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Ilocos Norte and the City of Laoag, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth branches thereof;
"Six judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Ilocos Sur, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth,
fifth and sixth branches thereof;
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Abra, and shall be known as of the first and second branches thereof;
"Four judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Benguet and the City of Baguio, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, and fourth branches thereof;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of Mountain
Province;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Ifugao;
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Kalinga-Apayao, and shall be known as judges of the first and second branches
thereof; and
"Six judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
La Union, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth,
fifth and sixth branches thereof.
"Seventeen judges shall be commissioned for the Third Judicial District.
Fourteen judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Pangasinan and the Cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, and shall be known as
judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth branches thereof;
and
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Zambales and the City of Olongapo, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second and third branches thereof.
"Thirteen judges shall be commissioned for the Fourth Judicial District. Nine
judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of Nueva
Ecija and the Cities of Cabanatuan, Palayan and San Jose, and shall be known as
judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and
ninth branches thereof; and
"Four judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Tarlac, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third and fourth
branches thereof.
"Twenty-four judges shall be commissioned for the Fifth Judicial District.
Ten judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Pampanga and the City of Angeles, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth branches
thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Bataan, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third branches
thereof; and
"Eleven judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Bulacan, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth,
fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh branches thereof.
"Forty-five judges shall be commissioned for the Sixth Judicial District.
They shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the City of Manila, and
shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth,
fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth,
twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth,
twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh, twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, thirtieth,
thirty-first, thirty-second, thirty-third, thirty-fourth, thirty-fifth,
thirty-sixth, thirty-seventh, thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth,
forty-first, forty-second., forty-third, forty-fourth, and forty-fifth branches
thereof.
"Seventy-two judges shall be commissioned for the Seventh Judicial District.
Sixty-two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Rizal and the Cities of Quezon, Pasay and Caloocan, and shall be known as
judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,
ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth,
seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, twenty-first, twenty-second,
twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh,
twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, thirtieth, thirty-first, thirty-second,
thirty-third, thirty-fourth, thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, thirty-seventh,
thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth, forty-first, forty-second, forty-third,
forty-fourth, forty-fifth, forty-sixth., forty-seventh, forty-eighth,
forty-ninth, fiftieth, fifty-first, fifty-second, fifty-third, fifty-fourth,
fifty-fifth, fifty-sixth, fifty-seventh, fifty-eighth, fifty-ninth, sixtieth,
sixty-first and sixty-second, branches thereof;
"Six judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Cavite and the Cities of Cavite, Tataytay and Trece Martires, and shall be known
as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth branches thereof;
and
"Four judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Palawan and the City of Puerto Princesa, and shall be known as judges of the
first, second, third and fourth branches thereof.
"Twenty-one judges shall be commissioned for the Eight Judicial District.
Line judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Laguna and the City of San Pablo, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth branches
thereof;
"Eight judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Batangas and the Cities of Lipa and Batangas, and shall be known as judges of
the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight branches
thereof;
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Mindoro Oriental, and shall be known as judges of the first and second branches
thereof; and
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Mindoro Occidental, and shall be known as judges of the first and second
branches thereof.
"Eleven judges shall be commissioned for the Ninth Judicial District. Ten
judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of Quezon
and the City of Lucena, and shall be known as judges of the first, second,
third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth branches thereof;
and
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Sub-province
of Aurora.
"Thirty-two judges shall be commissioned for the Tenth Judicial District. Ten
judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Camarines Sur and the Cities of Naga and Iriga, and shall be known as judges of
the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth
branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Camarines Norte, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof;
"Nine judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Albay and the City of Legaspi, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth branches
thereof;
Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Catandauanes, and shall be known as judges of the first and second, branches
thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Sorsogon, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof; and
"Five judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Masbate, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth and
fifth branches thereof.
"Twenty-three judges shall be commissioned for the Eleventh Judicial
District, Five judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas, and shall be known as judges do the
first, second, third, fourth and fifth branches therefore;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Romblon;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the province of
Marinduque;
"Four judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Aklan, and shall be known as at the first, second, third and fourth branches
thereof;
"Ten judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Iloilo and the City of Iloilo, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth brandies
thereof; and
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Antique, and shall be known as judges of the first and second branches
thereof.
"Twenty-one judges shall be commissioned for the Twelfth Judicial District,
Twelve judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Occidental Ilocos and the Cities of Bacolod, Silay, San Carlos, La Carlota, Bago
and Cadiz, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth,
fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth branches
thereof;
"Eight Judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Oriental Negros and the Cities of Dumaguete, Canlaon and Bais, and shall be
known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and
eighth branches thereof; and
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Siquijor.
"Twenty-one judges shall be commissioned for the thirteenth Judicial
District. Four Judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Northern Samar, and shall be known as Judges of the first, second,
and third, branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Samar and City of Calbayog, and shall be known as judges of the first, second
and third branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Eastern Samar, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof;
"Nine judges shall preside over the Court of the First Instance of the
Province of Leyte and the Cities of Tacloban, and Ormoc, and shall be known as
judges of the first, second, and third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth
and ninth branches thereof; and
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Southern Leyte, and shall be known as judges of the first and second branches
thereof.
"Twenty judges shall be commissioned for the Fourteenth Judicial District.
Sixteen judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Cebu and the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Danao, Toledo and Lapu-Lapu, and shall be
known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh,
eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and
sixteenth branches thereof; and
"Four judges shall preside over the Court First Instance of the Province of
Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third and fourth branches thereof.
"Twenty-three judges shall be commissioned for the Fifteenth Judicial
District. Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Surigao del Norte and the City of Surigao, and shall be known as
judges of the first, second, and third branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Surigao del Sur, and shall be known as judges of the first and second
branches thereof;
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Agusan del Norte and the City of Butuan, and shall be known as judges of the
first and second branches thereof;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Agusan del Sur;
"Five judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Misamis Oriental and the Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, shall be known
as judges of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth branches thereof;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Camiguin;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Bukidnon, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Lanao del Norte and the City of Iligan, and shall be known as judges of the
first, second and third branches thereof; and
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Lanao del Sur and the City of Marawi, and shall be known as judges of the first
and second branches thereof.
"Thirty-six judges shall be commissioned for the Sixteenth Judicial District.
Six judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Davao del Sur and the City of Davao, and shall be known as judges of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth branches thereof;
"Three Judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Davao del Norte, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Davao Oriental, and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third
"branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Maguindanao and the City of Cotabato, and shall be known as judges of the
first, second and third, branches thereof;
"Two Judges shall preside ever the Court of First Instance of the Province of
North Cotabato, and shall be known as judges of the first and second branches
thereof:
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Sultan Kudarat;
"Two judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
South Cotabato and the City of General Santos, and shall be known as judges of
the first and second branches thereof;
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Misamis Occidental and the Cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub, and shall
be known, as judges of the first, second, and third branches thereof;
"Five judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Zamboanga del Sur and the Cities of Zaraboanga and. Pagadian, and shall be
known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth branches
thereof;
"Four judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Zamboanga del Norte and the Cities of Dipolog; and Dapitan, and shall be
known as judges of the first, second, third and fourth branches thereof;
"One judge shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Basilan; and
"Three judges shall preside over the Court of First Instance of the Provinces
of Sulu and shall be known as judges of the first, second and third branches
thereof, the judge of the third branch to preside also over the Court of First
Instance of Tawi-Tawi."
RE-STRUCTURING OF COURTS OF FIRST INSTANCE.
SEC. 2. RE-STRUCTURING OF COURTS OF FIRST
INSTANCE.—Section 52 of the Judiciary Act of 1948 (Republic Act No. 296, as
amended) is hereby further amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 52. Permanent Stations of District
Judges.—The permanent station of the judges of the Sixth Judicial District
shall be in the City of Manila.
"In other judicial districts, the permanent stations of the judges shall be
as follows:
"For the First Judicial District, three judges (Branches I,V and VI) of the
Court of First Instance of the Province of Cagayan shall be stationed in the
Municipality of Tuguegarao, Province of Cagayan; two judges (Branches II and.
VII) of the sane court, in the Municipality of Aparri, same province; one judge
(Branch III of the same court, in the Municipality of Tuao, same province; and
one judge (Branch IV) of the sane court in the Municipality of Sanchez-Mira,
sane province;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Isabela shall be stationed in the Municipality of Ilagan, Province of Isabela;
one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality of Cauayan, same
province; one judge (Branch III) of the same court in the Municipality of
Catalan, same province; one judge (Branch IV) of the sane court, in the
Municipality of Roxas, same province; and one judge (Branch V) of the same
court, in the Municipality of Echague, same province;
"Three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Nueva Vizcaya shall be stationed in the Municipality of Bayombong,
Province of Nueva Vizcaya; and
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Quirino shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Cabarroguis, Province of Quirino.
"For the Second Judicial District, four judges (Branches I, II, III and VI)
of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Ilocos Norte and the City of
Laoag shall be stationed in the City of Laoag; one judge (Branch IV) of the same
Court, in the Municipality of Batac, Province of Ilocos Norte; and one judge
(Branch V) of the same Court, in the Municipality of Bangui, same province;
"Two judges (Branches I and III) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Ilocos Sur shall be stationed in the Municipality of Vigan, Province
of Ilocos Sur; one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality of
Narvacan, same province; one judge (Branch IV) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Candon, same province; one judge (Branch V) of the same court,
in the Municipality of Cabugao, same province; and one judge (Branch VI) of the
same court, in the Municipality of same province:
"Three judges (Branches I, II and IV) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Benguet and the City of Baguio shall be stationed in the City of
Baguio and one ,judge (Branch III) of the same court, in the Municipality of La
Trinidad, Province of Benguet;
“The judge of the Court of First Instance of Mountain Province shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Ifugao shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Lagawe, Province of Ifugao;
"One judge (branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Kalinga-Apayao shall be stationed in the Municipality of Tabuk, Province of
Kalinga-Apayao; and one judge (Branch II) of the sane court, in the Municipality
of Luna, sane province;
"The two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Abra shall be stationed in the Municipality of Bangued, Province of
Abra; and
"Two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of La Union shall be stationed in the Municipality of San Fernando, La
Union; two judges (Branches III and VI) of the same court, in the Municipality
of Agoo, same province; one judge (Branch IV) of the sane court, in the
Municipality of Bauang, same province; and one judge (Branch V) of the same
court, in the Municipality of Balaoan, same province.
"For the Third Judicial District, three judges (Branches I, II and XI) of the
Court of First instance of the Province of Pangasinan and the Cities of Dagupan
and San Carlos shall be stationed in the Municipality of Lingayen, Province of
Pangasinan; four judges (Branches III, IV, VIII and XII) of the same court, in
the City of Darupan; two judges (Branches V and IX) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Urdaneta, Province of Pangasinan; one judge (Branch VI) of the
same court, in the Municipality of Tayug; same province; one judge (Branch XIV)
of the same court, in the Municipality of Rosales, same province; two judges
(Branches VII and XIII) of the same court, in the Municipality of Alaminos, same
province; and one judge (Branch X) of the same court, in the City of San
Carlos;
"Two judges (Branches I and III) of the Court of First instance of the
Province of Zambales and the City of Olongapo shall be stationed in the City of
Olongapo; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality of
Iba, Province of Zambales.
"For the Fouth Judicial District, four judges (Branches I, II, III and VII)
of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Nueva Ecija and the Cities of
Cabanatuan, Palayan and San Jose, shall be stationed in the City of Cabanatuan;
one judge (Branch IV) of the same court, in the Municipality of Guimba, Province
of Nueva Ecija; two judges (Branches V and IX) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Gapan, same province; one judge (Branch IV) of the same court,
in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo, same province; and one judge (Branch VIII)
of the same court, in the City of San Jose;
"The four judges (Branches I, II, III and IV) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Tarlac shall be stationed in the Municipality of Tarlac,
Province of Tarlac.
"For the Fifth Judicial District, four judges (Branches I, III, V and VI) of
the Court of First Instance of the Province of Pampanga and the City of Angeles
shall be stationed in the Municipality of San Fernando, Province of Pampanga;
two judges (Branches II and VIII) of the same court, in the Municipality of
Guagua, same province; one judge (Branch VII) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Macabebe, same province; and three judges (Branches IV, IX and
X) of the same court, in the City of Angeles;
"The three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Bataan shall be stationed, in the Municipality of Balanga,
Province of Bataan; and
"Five judges (Branches I, II, VI, VII and IX) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Bulacan shall be stationed in the Municipality of Malolos,
Province of Bulacan; three judges (Branches III, VIII and X) of the same court,
in the Municipality of Valenzuela, same province; two judges (Branches IV and
XI) of the same court, in the Municipality of Baliuag, same province; and one
judge (Branch V) of the same court, in the Municipality of Sta. Maria, same
province.
"For the Seventh Judicial District, fifteen judges (Branches I, II, VI, VIII,
X, XI, XIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, XXIV, XXV and XXVI) of the Court of First
Instance of the Province of Rizal and the Cities of Quezon, Pasay and Caloocan
shall be stationed in the Municipality of Pasig, Province of Rizal; seventeen
judges (Branches XV, XXXVI, XXXVII, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XL, XLI, XLII, XLIII, XLIV,
XLV, XLVI, XLVII, XLVIII, XLIX, L and LI) of the same court, in the Municipality
of Makati, same province; seventeen judges (Branches IV, V, IX, XVI, XVII,
XVIII, XXXI, LII, LIII, LIV, LV, LVI, LVII, LVIII, LIX, LX and LXI) of the same
court, in the City of Quezon; six judges (Branches III, VII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX
and XXX) of the same court, in the City of Pasay; and seven judges (Branches
XII, XIV, XXXII, XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXV and LXII) of the same court, in the City of
Caloocan;
"One Judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Cavite and the Cities of Cavite, Tagaytay and Trece Martires shall be stationed
in the Municipality of Naic, Province of Cavite; two judges (Branches II and.
III) of the sane court, in the City of Cavite; one Judge (Branch IV) of the same
court, in the City of Tagaytay; and two Judges (Branches V and VI) of the sane
court, in the Municipality of Bacoor, same province; and
"The four judges (Branches I, II III and IV) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Palawan and the City of Puerto Princesa shall be stationed in
the City of Puerto Princesa.
"For the Eighth Judicial District, two Judges (Branches I and VII) of the
Court of First Instance of the Province of Lacuna and the City of San Pablo
shall be stationed in the Municipality of Biñan, Province of Laguna; two Judges
(Branches II and IV) of the same court, in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, same
province; two judges (Branches III and VIII) of the same court, in the City of
San Pablo; one Judge (BranchV) of the same court, in the Municipality of
Siniloan, same province; and. two judges (Branches VI and IX) of the same court,
in the Municipality of Calamba, same province.
"Two Judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Batangas and the Cities of Lipa and Batangas shall be stationed in
the City of Batangas; one judge (Branch III) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Lemery, Province of Batangas; two Judges (Branches IV and V) of
the same court, in the City of Lipa; one Judge (Branch VI) of the same court, in
the Municipality of Tanauan, same province; and two judges (Branches VII and
VIII) of the same court, in the Municipality of Balayan, same province;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Mindoro Oriental shall be stationed m the Municipality of Calapan, Province of
Mindoro Oriental; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Pinamalayan, same province; and
"For the Ninth Judicial District, six judges (Branches I, II, VI, VII, VIII
and IX) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Quezon and the City of
Lucena shall be stationed in the City of Lucena; two judges (Branches III and X)
of the sane court, in the Municipality of Gumaca, Province of Quezon; one judge
(Branch IV) of the same court, in the Municipality of Calauag, same province;
and one judge (Branch V) of the same court, in the Municipality of Mauban, same
province; and
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of Sub-province of Aurora shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Baler, Sub-province of Aurora.
"For the Tenth Judicial District, six judges (Branches I, II, III, IV, V, and
VIII) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Camarines Sur and the
Cities of Naga and Iriga shall be stationed in the City of Naga; two judges
(Branches VI and IX) of the same court, in the Municipality of Pili, Province of
Camarines Sur; and two judges (Branches VII and X) of the same court, in the
City of Iriga;
"The three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Camarines Norte shall be stationed in the Municipality of Daet,
Province of Camarines Norte;
"Five judges (Branches I, II, III, IV and VII) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Albay and the City of Legaspi shall be stationed in the City
of Legaspi; two judges (Branches V and VIII) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Ligao, Province of Albay; and two judges (Branches VI and IX) of
the same court, in the Municipality of Tabaco, same provice;
Two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the Province
of Catanduanes shall be stationed in the Municipality of Virac, Province of
Catanduanes;
"Two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Sorsogon shall be stationed in the Municipality of Sorsogon,
Province of Sorsogon; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Gubat, same province; and
"The five judges (Branches I, II, III, IV and V) of the Court of First
instance of the Province of Masbate shall be stationed in the Municipality of
Masbate, Province of Masbate.
"For the Eleventh Judicial District, four judges (Branches I, II, IV and V)
of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas
shall be stationed in the City of Roxas; and one judge (Branch III) of the same
court, in the Municipality of Mamburao, Province of Capiz;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Romblon shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Romblon, Province of Romblon;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Marinduque shall
be stationed in the Municipality of Boac, Province of Marinduque;
"The four judges (Branches I, II III and IV) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Aklan shall be stationed in the Municipality of Kalibo,
Province of Aklan;
"The ten judges (Branches I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII,VIII, IX and X) of the
Court of First Instance of the Province of Iloilo and the City of Iloilo shall
be stationed in the City of Iloilo; and
"The two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Antique shall be stationed in the Municipality of San Jose, Province
of Antique.
"For the Twelfth Judicial District, one judge (Branch I) of the Court of
First Instance of the Province of Occidental Negros and the Cities of Bacolod,
Silay, San Carlos, La Carlota, Bago and Cadiz, shall be stationed in the City of
Silay: seven judges (Branches II, III, IV, V, VIII, IX and XI) of the same
court, in the City of Bacolod; two judges (Branches VI and XII) of the same
court, in the Municipality of Himamaylan, Province of Accidental Negros; and two
judges (Branches VII and X) of the same court, in the City of San Carlos;
"The eight judges (Branches I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII) of the Court
or First Instance of the Province of Oriental Negros and the Cities of
Dumaguete, Canlaon and Bais shall be stationed in the City of Dumaguete; and
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Siquijor shall
be stationed in the Municipality of Larena, Province of Siquijor.
"For the Thirteenth Judicial District, one judge (Branch I) of the Court of
First Instance of the Province of Northern Samar shall be stationed in the
Municipality of Catarman, Province of Northern Samar; one judge (Branch II) of
the same court, in the Municipality of Laoag, same province; and one judge
(Branch III) of the same court, in the Municipality of Allen, same province;
"Two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Samar and the City of Calbayog; shall be stationed in the
Municipality of Catbalogan, Province of Samar; and one judge (Branch III) of the
same court, in the Municipality of Basey, same province; and one judge (Branch
IV) of the same court, in the City of Calbayog;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Eastern Samar shall be stationed in the Municipality of Borongan, Province of
Eastern Samar; one judge (Brand II) of the same court, in the Municipality of
Guiuan, same province; and one Judge (Branch III) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Oras, same province;
"Four judges (Branches I, II, III and IV) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Leyte and the Cities of Tacloban and Ormoc shall be stationed in
the City of Tacloban; One judge (Branch V) of the same court, in the City of
Ormoc; one judge (Branch VI) of the same court, in the Municipality of Cariraga,
Province of Leyte; one judge (Branch VII) of the same court, in the Municipality
of Naval, same province; one judge (Branch VIII) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Baybay, same province; and one judge (Branch XI) of the same
court, in the Municipality of Burauen, same province; and
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Southern Leyte shall be stationed in the Municipality of Maasin, Province of
Southern Leyte; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality
of San Juan, same province.
"For the Fourteenth Judicial District, thirteen judges (Branches I, II, III,
IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XIII) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Cebu and the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue Danao, Toledo and Lapu-Lapu
shall be stationed in the City of Cebu; one judge (Branch XIV) of the same
court, in the City of Danao; one judge (Branch XV) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Argao, Province of Cebu; and one judge (Branch XVI) of the same
court, in the City of Lapu-Lapu; and
"The four judges (Branches I, II, III and IV) of the Court of First Instance
of the Province of Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran shall be stationed in the
City of Tagbilaran.
"For the Fifteenth Judicial District, two judges (Branches I and II) of the
Court of First Instance of the Province of Surigao del Norte and the City of
Surigao shall be stationed in the City of Surigao; and one judge (Branch III) of
the same court, in the Municipality of Dapa Province of Surigao del Norte;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of
Surigao del Sur shall be stationed in the Municipality of Tandag, Province of
Surigao del Sur; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Lianga, same province;
"The three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Agusan del Norte and the City of Butuan shall be stationed in
the City of Butuan;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Agusan del Sur
shall be stationed in the Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del
Sur:
"Four judges (Branches I, II, IV and V) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Misamis Oriental and the Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog shall
be stationed in the City of Cagayan de Oro; and one judge (Branch III) of the
same court, in the Municipality of Medina, Province of Misamis Oriental;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Camiguin shall
be stationed in the Municipality of Mambajao, Province of Camiguin;
"The three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Bukidnon shall be stationed in the Municipality of Malaybalay,
Province of Bukidnon;
"The Three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Lanao del Norte and the City of Iligan shall be stationed in the
City of Iligan; and
"The two judges (Brandies I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Lanao del Sur and the City of Marawi shall be stationed in the City
of Marawi.
"For the Sixteenth Judicial District, the four judges (Branches I, II, III
and IV) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Davao del Sur and the
City of Davao shall be stationed in the City of Davao; and two judges (Branches
V and VI) of the same court, in the Municipality of Digos, Province of Davao del
Sur;
"The three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of
the Province of Davao del Norte shall be stationed in the Municipality of Tagum,
Province of Davao del Norte;
"Two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Davao Oriental shall be stationed in the Municipality of Mati,
Province of Davao Oriental; and one judge (Branch III) of the same court, in the
Municipality of Baganga same province;
"Two judges (Brandies I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Maguindanao and the City of Cotabato shall be stationed in the City
of Cotabato; and one judge (Branch III) shall be stationed in the Municipality
of Maganoy Province of Maguindanao;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of North
Cotabato shall be stationed in the Municipality of Kidapawan, Province of North
Cotabato; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, the Municipality of
Midsayap, same province;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the province of Sultan Kudarat
shall be stationed in the Municipality of Isulan, Province of Sultan
Kudarat;
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of South
Cotabato and the City of General Santos shall be stationed in the City of
General Santos; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality
of Koronadal, Province of South Cotabato;
"Two judges (Branches I and III) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Misamis Occidental and the Cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub
shall be stationed in the City of Oroquieta; and one judge (Branch II) of the
same court, in the City of Ozamiz;
"Three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Zamboanga del Sur and the Cities of Zamboanga and Pagadian shall be
stationed in the City of Zamboanga; and three judges (Branches IV and V and VI)
of the same court, in the City of Pagadian;
"Three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Zamboanga del Norte and the Cities of Dipolog and Dapitan shall be
stationed in the City of Dipolog; and one judge (Branch IV) of the same court,
in the Municipality of Sindangan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte;
"The judge of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Basilan shall be
stationed in the Municipality of Isabela, Province of Basilan; and
"The two judges (Branches I and II) of the Court of First Instance of the
Province of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi shall be stationed in the Municipality of Jolo,
Province of Sulu."
CREATION OF ADDITIONAL CITY COURT SALAS.
SEC. 3. CREATION OF ADDITIONAL CITY COURT
SALAS.—Additional salas are hereby created in the City Courts of the
following cities, namely:
Present
Additional
Total
Caloocan City
4
1
5
City of Manila
17
5
22
Pasay City
4
1
5
Quezon City
9
4
13
Davao City
6
1
7
Bacolod City
5
2
7
Cagayan de Oro City
3
2
5
Cabanatuan City
2
1
3
Iligan City
1
1
2
Laoag City
1
1
2
Zamboanga City
3
1
4
CREATION OF NEW JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURTS.
SEC. 4. CREATION OF NEW JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS
COURTS.—Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts are hereby created in the
following cities and provinces, for which judges who shall possess the same
qualifications, enjoy the same privileges and receive the same salary as judges
of the Courts of First Instance shall be appointed by the President, namely:
3RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
1.
JDRC of the Province of Pangasinan and the cities of
Dagupan and San Carlos with station at Dagupan City
2.
JDRC of the Province of Zambales and the
City of Olongapo with station at Olongapo City
4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
3.
JDRC of the Province of Nueva Ecija and the Cities of Cabanatuan,
San Jose and Palayan with station at Cabanatuan City
5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
4.
JDRC of the Province of Pampanga and the City of Angeles with
station at Angeles City
6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
5-6.
Two (2) additional branches of the JDRC of the City of
Manila
7TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
7.
JDRC of Pasay City
8TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
8.
JDRC of the Province of Batangas and the Cities of Batangas and
Lipa with station at Batangas City
10TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
9.
JDRC of the Province of Albay and the City of Legaspi with station
at Legaspi City
12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
10.
JDRC of the Province of Negros Oriental and the Cities of
Dumaguete, Bais and Canlaon with station at Dumaguete City
14TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
11.
One (1) additional branch of the JDRC of the Province of Cebu and
the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Toledo, Lapu-Lapu and Danao with station at Cebu
City
15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
12.
JDRC of the Province of Agusan del Norte and the City of Butuan
with station at Butuan City
13.
JDRC of the Province of Misamis Oriental and the Cities of Cagayan
de Oro and Gingoog with station at Cagayan de Oro City
14.
JDRC of the Province of Lanao del Norte and the City of Iligan
with station at Iligan City
16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
15.
JDRC of the Province of Davao del Sur and the City of Davao with
station at Davao City
16.
JDRC of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and the Cities of
Zamboanga and Pagadian with station at Zamboanga City
SPECIAL PROVISIONS ON JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURTS.
SEC. 5. SPECIAL PROVISIONS ON JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC
RELATIONS COURTS.—(a) In provinces and cities where there are no Juvenile
and Domestic Relations Courts, the Supreme Court, when so warranted, shall
designate and authorize any branch of the Court of First Instance therein to
function as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
(b) The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts stationed in the Cities of
Manila, Quezon, Caloocan and Pasay shall have jurisdiction over all cases within
the entire Metro Manila area and the Supreme Court shall define their respective
territorial jurisdiction.
(c) The existing Criminal, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of Dumaguete
City is converted into a regular Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court with
jurisdiction over all cases in the province of Negros Oriental and the Cities of
Dumaguete, Bais and Canlaon and the incumbent presiding judge of the former
court as now converted shall continue as judge without the need of a new
appointment. The pending criminal cases of the former court which do not pertain
to the jurisdiction of Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts shall be
transferred to the regular City Courts.
COURT PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES.
SEC. 6. COURT PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT AND
FACILITIES.—The additional courts herein created shall each be provided
with the necessary personnel, equipment and facilities to enable them to
function as soon as the judges therein are appointed.
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS.
SEC. 7. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS.—(1) Upon appointment
of a judge or judges to a newly created branch or branches of a Court of First
Instance or City Court, all pending cases in the branches pertaining to one
administrative area in which the trial has not commenced shall be equitably
distributed among all said branches in accordance with such rules and
regulations as the Supreme Court shall prescribe: PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
That all cases pending before any existing branch, the trial of which has
commenced, shall remain therein until final disposition.
(2) Upon the organization of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts
herein created, the Supreme Court shall cause all cases and proceedings pending
before any court which are properly cognizable by the Juvenile and Domestic
Relations Courts to be transferred thereto.
APPROPRIATIONS.
SEC. 8. APPROPRIATIONS.—The sums of P19,000,000.00
for Courts of First Instance, P2,000,000.00 for City Courts and P3,000,000.00
for Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts or so much thereof as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this Decree are hereby authorized to be
appropriated. The appropriation for the succeeding years shall be included in
the Annual General Appropriations Decree.
REPEALING CLAUSE.
SEC. 9. REPEALING CLAUSE.—All laws, decrees and
orders or any part thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
Decree are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.
EFFECTIVITY.
SEC. 10. EFFECTIVITY.—This Decree shall take effect
immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 10th day of June, in the year of Our Lord,
nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.
(Sgd.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the
Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) JUAN C. TUVERA
Presidential
Assistant
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
