The Supreme Court of the Philippines has announced the establishment of 60 new trial courts nationwide, aiming to expand judicial access and address long-standing issues with court backlogs. This move, which includes 37 additional Regional Trial Courts (RTCs), 2 Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), and 21 Municipal Trial Courts in Cities (MTCCs), is a response to the growing need for a more efficient judicial system across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The new courts were created following the passage of Republic Acts 12044 through 12054, enacted on October 26, 2024. These courts will be established strategically in 13 cities and municipalities to cover underserved areas and promote access to justice in remote and high-demand regions.
Strategic Locations Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
The newly created courts are distributed across key locations, with Luzon cities like Antipolo and San Carlos in Pangasinan receiving the highest number of RTCs. Antipolo alone will host 10 RTCs and 8 MTCCs, reinforcing its capacity to manage cases and reduce the burden on surrounding jurisdictions. Similarly, Navotas City in Metro Manila will gain 3 RTCs and 2 MeTCs, offering more options for Metro Manila residents seeking legal recourse.
In the Visayas, Ormoc City in Leyte will have four new RTCs, while Bacolod City in Negros Occidental will add 2 MTCCs. Mindanao locations such as Pagadian City, Tubod, and Island Garden City of Samal have also been selected to host new RTCs and MTCCs, reflecting the government’s commitment to distribute judicial resources evenly.
Addressing Persistent Case Backlogs
Supreme Court officials have expressed optimism that these additional courts will mitigate the backlog of pending cases, especially in regions with high volumes of legal disputes. The Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, passed recently by the Senate, reflects the nation’s commitment to legal reform. However, the expansion of judicial infrastructure has ignited discussions about whether these resources will be sufficient to tackle the systemic challenges faced by the country’s justice system.
This nationwide expansion is expected to significantly impact the Philippines’ legal landscape, providing timely justice for Filipinos and reducing delays in court proceedings.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.