PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law measures establishing six new regional and two new metropolitan trial courts in Cebu, Cagayan Valley, and Davao Region.
These are: Republic Act 12241 – Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Moalboal town, Cebu province;
RA 12242 – RTC in Alicia town, Isabela province;
RA 12243 – two RTCs in Mati City, Davao Oriental;
RA 12244 – two Metropolitan Trial Courts (MTCs) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and
RA 12245 – two RTCs in Ilagan City and Tumauini town, Isabela province.
Signed on August 29, 2025, the laws provided that the Supreme Court shall assign the branch numbers for the newly created courts.
The Chief Justice, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include the courts’ program in the operationalization of the additional RTC and MTC branches.
The Supreme Court shall also issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the laws.
The laws mandate that funds for judges, court personnel, prosecutors, and public attorneys—including salaries, benefits, court operations, and facilities—be included in the annual General Appropriations Act
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