Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5697)
The purpose of Republic Act No. 5697 is to provide an additional judge for the City Court of the City of Butuan and to amend Section 76 of the Charter of the City of Butuan accordingly.
There are two branches in the City Court of Butuan, known as the first and second branches.
The judges are titled as Judge of the First Branch, Judge of the Second Branch, and an Auxiliary City Judge.
The Auxiliary City Judge discharges the duties of the City Judge in case of absence, incapacity, or inability until the City Judge resumes office or a new judge is appointed.
During incumbency, the Auxiliary City Judge enjoys the powers, emoluments, and privileges of the City Judge but does not receive extra remuneration except the salary during the City Judge's vacation.
City judges may be allowed a vacation of not more than thirty days every year with salary.
The Secretary of Justice shall designate a Justice of the Peace from the adjoining municipalities to temporarily preside over the City Court until the regular or auxiliary judge resumes or a new judge is appointed.
The justice of the peace receives his regular salary plus seventy percent of the salary of the City Judge whose office he temporarily assumes.
The city judges shall receive a salary of not exceeding fifteen thousand pesos per annum.
The salary is paid half by the city government and half by the National Government.