RA12051: AN ACT CREATING TWO (2) ADDITIONAL BRANCHES OF THE MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURT IN CITIES IN THE SIXTH JUDICIAL REGION TO BE STATIONED IN THE CITY OF BACOLOD, PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 29 OF
Republic Act No. 12051 creates two additional branches of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in the Sixth Judicial Region, specifically to be stationed in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. This act amends Section 29 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, also known as "The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980". The Supreme Court will assign branch numbers for these new MTCC branches and is tasked with coordinating their operationalization with the Department of Justice. The necessary funds for implementation, including salaries and benefits for judges and court personnel, court operations, and provisions for courtrooms, will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, with funds released upon actual organization and appointment of personnel.
The establishment of these additional courts will significantly impact the people of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental by improving access to justice and potentially speeding up the resolution of cases due to increased judicial capacity. The law also mandates the appointment of corresponding prosecutors and public attorneys and their support staff, based on existing laws, ensuring that legal representation and prosecution services are adequately provided to match the expanded court system. With the creation of these two additional branches, the MTCC in Bacolod City will now have a total of nine branches, each with a specified staffing pattern, including a City Trial Court Judge, Clerk of Court, and other essential personnel, which aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the local judicial system.