Composition, Appointment, and Qualifications of Judges
- The Court consists of a Senior Judge and two other Judges.
- Judges are appointed by the President of the Philippines, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly.
- Judges must meet the constitutional qualifications for Supreme Court members.
- They hold office during good behavior until age 70 or incapacity.
- Removal or suspension follows the same grounds and procedures as for Judges of Courts of First Instance.
Compensation, Tenure, and Supervision
- Senior Judge's annual salary: Eleven thousand pesos.
- Each of the two other Judges receives ten thousand pesos annually.
- Judges are entitled to traveling expenses and per diems for official duties outside Manila.
- The Department of Justice exercises executive supervision over the Court.
Powers and Functioning of Judges
- Judges act on matters designated by the Senior Judge.
- Each Judge may preside over hearings and render decisions on assigned cases.
- In case of reconsideration requests or collective adjudication, Judges sit together and decisions require majority concurrence.
- The President may temporarily assign Judges to Courts of First Instance when public interest demands, without per diem compensation.
Oath of Office
- Judges must take and subscribe an oath before entering office.
- The oath includes faithfully and impartially discharging duties.
- Judges pledge confidentiality of all evidence and matters brought before the Court, except as required in official duties.
Appropriations
- An appropriation of fifty-five thousand pesos was made from the Philippine Treasury.
- Funds cover salaries of the two new Judges, subordinate personnel, purchase of furniture, equipment, and other expenses.
- Appropriation valid until December 31, 1938.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.