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Five new regional trial courts created in Zamboanga del Norte, Palawan

17 September 2025

Five new regional trial courts (RTCs) have been created in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan provinces under Republic Acts (RA) 12266 and 12267, aimed at expanding judicial access.

RA No. 12266 created an additional RTC branch in the municipality of Labason in Zamboanga del Norte.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12267 created four additional RTC branches in Palawan.

Two of them are located in Coron, while the other two RTC branches are located in Brooke’s Point and in Roxas.

The Supreme Court Chief Justice, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary, shall immediately include in the Court’s program the operationalization of the additional branches of RTCs in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan.

The Supreme Court shall also issue necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the new laws, and if warranted, the realignment of seats of existing branches and their territorial jurisdictions.

The funds necessary for the operations of these courts shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of personnel.

These Republic Acts shall take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation. | PND