Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10370)
Republic Act No. 10370 establishes a separate Municipal Circuit Trial Court comprising the municipalities of Buenavista and San Lorenzo in the province of Guimaras.
The municipalities of Buenavista and San Lorenzo are separated from the territorial jurisdiction of the First Municipal Circuit Trial Court.
The newly created court is designated as the Second Municipal Circuit Trial Court for the municipalities of Buenavista and San Lorenzo.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of Justice, is tasked with the operationalization of the new Municipal Circuit Trial Court.
The funding for the operation of the new court shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and appropriated upon the actual organization of the court and appointment of its personnel.
All pending cases falling within the jurisdiction of the municipalities of Buenavista and San Lorenzo shall be transferred to the newly created Second Municipal Circuit Trial Court and shall be tried and decided therein.
RA 10370 took effect upon its approval on February 28, 2013.
The First Municipal Circuit Trial Court had jurisdiction over Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, and San Lorenzo.
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed RA 10370 into law on February 28, 2013.
Funds necessary for the operation of the court shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the court and the appointment of its personnel.