ANGELES CITY – Officials of the Supreme Court led by Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio and Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda led the inauguration of the newly-constructed Hall of Justice named after former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos last Thursday.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in his welcome remarks said the city is sensitive and fully aware of the citizens’ need for an effective and efficient delivery of justice.
Pamintuan said the people of this city appreciated the full support given by the Supreme Court under its Judicial Reform Support Project (JRSO) which brought the realization of the pilot model halls of justice erected in this city.
On the other hand, the mayor said, he acknowledged the assistance of the provincial government despite of the city’s autonomy and being its highly-urbanized status.
“Governor Pineda has always been supportive even if we are technically independent from the provincial government,” Pamintuan added.
Justice Jose Midas Marquez, Supreme Court administrator said Angeles City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Manila City are now hosting pilot model courts that serve as benchmarks for future courts in the different parts of the country.
These reform projects under the (JRSO) are intended to improve the judicial conditions in the country through the rehabilitation of courts and the empowerment of human resources.
Carpio affirmed that the new hall of justice (HOJ) will provide an ideal working environment for the justice employees, thus greatly improving the delivery of services to the city’s constituents.
‘The HOJ will be fully computerized and equipped with modern facilities to speed-up processes in the courts. It will also have its own library, medical and dental clinics, cafeteria, and a judges’ lounge,” Marquez said.
The construction of the new hall of justice was completed with funding from the World Bank and land procurement by the city government.
The event was also graced by Associate Justices Maria Lourdes Sereno, Mariano del Castillo, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Jose Perez, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Arturo Brion, Martin Villarama, and Diosdado Peralta; Board Members Tars Halili, Fritzie David-Dizon, Trina Dizon, and Rolly Macalino; Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting; and Provincial Administrator Atty. Andres Pangilinan Jr. (Angelique DC. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)
