MANILA, Philippines – Inanunsyo ng Korte Suprema nitong Sabado, Nobyembre 15 na inilagay nito ang ilang Regional Trial Courts (RTC) para humawak ng anti-graft cases.
Ang mga itinalagang RTC ay matatagpuan sa mga lugar na ito:
National Capital Judicial Region: 5
Region III: 5
Region IV-A: 4
Region V: 4
Region VII: 4
Region XI: 4
“This is just the first batch. All regions will have designated anti-graft courts. The courts and judges are not named for security purposes,” pahayag ni SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ng SC na ang hakbang na ito ay naaayon sa Republic Act 10660, o isang pamamaraan na nagpapalawak sa hurisdiksyon ng RTC na isama ang mga kasong nasa ilalim ng anti-graft laws.
“The Office of the Chief Justice approved the recommendation of Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta to designate specific RTC judges,” sinabi pa ng SC.
“This is pursuant to the Resolution of the SC En Banc in A.M. No. 25-10-24-SC directing the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to monitor the filing of cases involving corruption in infrastructure projects before the RTCs,” dagdag nito.
Ekslusibong diringgin ng special courts at pagdedesisyunan ang mga kasong may kinalaman sa korapsyon mula sa infrastructure projects.
“In areas with no designated RTCs, the case shall be referred to the nearest judicial region with designated special courts,” ayon sa SC.
“The designated judges will undergo training from the Philippine Judicial Academy, with lectures led by Sandiganbayan Associate Justices. The training will cover substantive and procedural laws, including RA 7080 or the Law on Plunder, RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, rules on bail in plunder cases, evidentiary rules in anti-graft cases, the rule on cyber warrants, and rules on forensic evidence, among others,” dagdag pa.
“Jurisdiction over graft cases involving public officers occupying positions lower than Salary Grade 27 belongs to the proper RTC, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, and Municipal Circuit Trial Court in accordance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 or the Judiciary Reorganization Act,” pagpapatuloy ng SC.
“Appeals from the decisions of the designated RTCs shall be heard by the Sandiganbayan.” RNT/JGC
