Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11459)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11459 is the "Judges-at-Large Act of 2019."
One hundred (100) positions of Regional Trial Judges-at-Large were created.
Judges-at-Large have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges to any Regional Trial Court or first-level court in the Philippines as public interest may require.
The appointee must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty-five (35) years old, and have at least ten (10) years of practice in law in the Philippines or have held a public office requiring admission to the practice of law.
Fifty (50) positions of Municipal Trial Judges-at-Large were created.
The person must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty (30) years old, and have at least five (5) years of practice in law in the Philippines or have held a public office requiring admission to the practice of law.
The Judicial and Bar Council shall recommend appointees to the President for Judges-at-Large positions.
The Judicial and Bar Council shall recommend to the President the permanent sala to which the Judge-at-Large shall be appointed.
Yes, Judges-at-Large are entitled to the salaries, privileges, allowances, emoluments, benefits, rank, and title of judges corresponding to their position.
A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent (5%) of the monthly basic pay is granted for each five (5) years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious service, but the total salary after including longevity pay shall not exceed the salary of the Justice or Judge next in rank.
The Supreme Court determines the length of the temporary assignment of Judges-at-Large.
The initial funding shall be charged against available appropriations of the Judiciary under the current General Appropriations Act, with future funds included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
They must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and at least thirty (30) years old.
The Supreme Court, in consultation with the Secretary of Budget and Management, must promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the approval of the Act.