Sipalay gets its own trial court

REPRESENTATIVE Mercedes Alvarez (6th district, Negros Occidental) confirmed that President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law Republic Act 10371 creating an additional regional trial court (RTC) in Sipalay City.

Alvarez said the bill was signed by the President last February 28.

She said she authored the bill because she observed that residents of Sipalay City and Hinobaan who have court cases would still have to travel far to Kabankalan City due to the absence of an RTC branch in their area.

Although the coverage areas of the additional RTC branch in Sipalay City will still be determined by the Supreme Court, Alvarez said Hinobaan and Sipalay will definitely be under the new branch.

The additional RTC would also unload the bulk of cases in Kabankalan City.

Alvarez said the new law will take effect 15 to 30 days after its publication.

The new presiding judge for the additional RTC in Sipalay City will be appointed by President Aquino.

Alvarez said that along with Sipalay City Mayor Oscar Monilla, they will work out for the building or office of the RTC in Sipalay City that may also house the prosecutor's office.

She said she is willing to allocate funds for the additional RTC.

Alvarez, who is also a practicing lawyer, also vowed to work out for an additional RTC in Kabankalan City in the next Congress.