MALACAŅANG
M a n i l a
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 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 and 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 the 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 sales 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:
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 the First Instance of the Province of Cagayan, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh branches thereof; the judges 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 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 judges 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;
"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;
"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, Tagaytay 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. Nine 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;
"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 the 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 Cities of Naga, 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 Cities 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 Catanduanes, 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 of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth branches thereof;
"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 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 branches 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 Negros and the Cities of Bacolod, Silay, San Carlos, La Carlota, Bago and Cadiz, and shall be 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, third and fourth 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 First Instance of the Province of Leyte and the Cities of Tacloban and Ormoc, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, 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. Sixteenth 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 of First Instance of the Province of Bohol and the City of Tagbilaran, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, 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, second and third 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, and 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 over 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 ands the Cities of Zamboanga and Pagadian, and shall be known as judges of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth 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 Province 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."
Section 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 same 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 same court, in the Municipality of Sanchez Mira, same 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 Cabagan, same province; one judge (Branch IV) of the same 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 IV) 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 Tagudin, same province.
"Three judges (Branch 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 same court, in the Municipality of Luna, same 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 same 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 II, IV, VIII and XII) of the same court, in the City of Dagupan; 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 Fourth 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 VI) of the same court, in the Municipality of Santo 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.
"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;
"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 Santa Maria, same province.
"For the Seventh Judicial District, fifteen judges (Branches I, II, VI, VIII, X, XI, XIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, XIII, 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 same court, in the City of Cavite; one judge (Branch IV) of the same court, in the City of Tagaytay; and two judges (Branch V and VI) of the same 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 Laguna 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 Santa Cruz, same province; two judges (Branches III and VIII) of the same court, in the City of San Pablo; one judge (Branch V) 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 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 in 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
"One judge (Branch I) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Mindoro Occidental shall be stationed in the Municipality of Mamburao, Province of Mindoro Occidental; and one judge (Branch II) of the same court, in the Municipality of San Jose, same province.
"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 same 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 the 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 VI) 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 province;
"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 III) 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 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 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 Occidental 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 of 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 Laoang, 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 (Branch 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; and one judge (Branch VIII) of the same court, in the Municipality of Baybay, same province; and one judge (Branch IX) 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) for 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 (Branches 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 (Branches 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 Maguinadao;
"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, in 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, 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 three judges (Branches I, II and III) of the Court of First Instance of the Province of Sulu shall be stationed in the Municipality of Jolo, Province of Sulu."
Section 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 |
Section 4. Creation of New Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts are hereby created in the 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 within 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 Cities 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 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
Section 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 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.
Section 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.
Section 7. Transitory Provisions.
(a) Upon appointment of a judge or judges to a newly created branch or branches of a Court of First Instance or City Courts, 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.
(b) 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.
Section 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.
Section 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees and orders of any part thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly.
Section 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.
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