Assignment of Branch Numbers
- The Supreme Court is tasked with assigning the branch numbers to these newly created RTC branches.
Implementation and Funding
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, is responsible for incorporating the implementation of this Act into the Court's program immediately.
- Funding for the creation and operation of the new RTC branches must be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
- Appropriations and release of funds for the operation shall only occur after the courts are formally organized and personnel appointed.
Amendment of Existing Law
- Section 14(c) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980), as amended, and any other inconsistent provisions, are repealed, modified, or further amended to effect the creation of these new courts.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act becomes effective fifteen (15) days following its publication either in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.
General Legal Concepts
- Emphasizes the separation of powers by involving both the judiciary (Supreme Court) and the executive (Department of Justice) in implementation.
- Aligns with judicial reorganization efforts to improve access to justice and court efficiency in the Third Judicial Region.
- Ensures proper budgetary procedures for judiciary expansion are observed before operationalization.
Procedural Notes
- Specifies that the Supreme Court has the administrative authority to organize and assign new branches.
- Enforces that the operationalization process includes the formal organization and personnel appointment prior to fund release.
- The law is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3052 and House Bill No. 5531, passed by the Senate and House of Representatives respectively before presidential approval.
Signatories and Legislative Process
- The law was approved on May 24, 2013, signed by the President of the Philippines.
- Official public officials involved include the Speaker of the House, Senate President, Secretaries General, and the President himself.
- This highlights the standard legislative process for law enactment in the Philippines.