Courts in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, now have a rehabilitated two-storey Hall of Justice after Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo led its inauguration and turnover on October 9.
The new facility replaces the original building, which was constructed more than three decades ago. Rehabilitation work began in 2022 and was completed in 2023, according to the Supreme Court.
The building has four courtrooms, offices for the Regional Trial Court clerk of court, the prosecutor and the Public Attorney’s Office, as well as a parole and probation office and a mediation office.
It also has separate holding areas for male and female detainees, a conference room and a lounge for judges. The facility houses RTC Branches 66, 70 and 71, along with the 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court covering Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate and Anilao.
Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta described the building as a “permanent home” where generations of judges and court personnel can continue serving the public.
She said the rehabilitation reflects the partnership between the Supreme Court and the local government in improving access to justice and strengthening public trust.
Executive Judge Jose Mauricio E. Gomez of RTC Branch 71 said the courts had continued serving the public despite limited facilities and resources. The new building, he added, provides a more suitable working environment for judges, court personnel, lawyers, litigants and the public.
Gesmundo was joined at the ceremony by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda, Court Administrator Gomez-Estoesta and local government officials.IMT
