Appointment, Qualifications, and Tenure of Judges
- Judges of the Circuit Criminal Courts are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
- They possess the same qualifications, rank, compensation, and privileges as judges of the Courts of First Instance.
- Their tenure is during good behavior, subject to removal or suspension under the same conditions and grounds applicable to Courts of First Instance judges.
Applicability of Laws and Rules of Court
- All relevant laws and Rules of Court governing judges of the Courts of First Instance and the trial, disposition, and appeal of criminal cases apply to Circuit Criminal Courts.
- Applicability is limited only where not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
Venue and Sessions of Court
- Circuit Criminal Courts may hold sessions anywhere within their judicial district.
- Cases must be heard within the province where the alleged crime occurred.
- With prior Supreme Court approval and upon the interest of justice, sessions may be held in a neighboring province within the district.
- Provincial governments must provide adequate office space for these courts.
Court Personnel and Staffing
- The Secretary of Justice will designate personnel from the Courts of First Instance in the province where the Circuit Criminal Court sessions are held.
- These personnel will be under the direct order of the Circuit Judge.
- The Secretary of Justice may also appoint permanent personnel as necessary.
Pending Cases and Conduct of Trials
- Cases pending or partly tried by the Courts of First Instance at the Act's approval date remain with those courts.
- Trials in Circuit Criminal Courts, once started, should proceed continuously until conclusion.
- Judgments should be rendered within thirty days after submission for decision.
- Circuit Criminal Courts retain powers analogous to those granted to Courts of First Instance by existing laws and rules necessary to enforce their jurisdiction.
Temporary Assignment of Circuit Judges
- The Secretary of Justice may temporarily assign Circuit Judges to other judicial districts for up to three months to assist case disposition.
- Such assignment requires Supreme Court approval.
- Judges may not hear cases if any party objects and the Supreme Court sustains the objection.
Administrative Supervision
- The Circuit Criminal Courts are administratively supervised by the Department of Justice.
Appropriations and Funding
- Necessary funds for implementing the Act, including salaries and operating expenses for the fiscal year 1966-1967, are appropriated from the National Treasury.
- Future funding will be included in the annual general appropriations Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon its approval.