SC: 26 trial courts to handle flood control cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has designated an initial batch of 26 Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) to handle corruption-related cases, particularly arising from the multibillion-peso flood control controversy. 

These courts are spread out across six major regions, namely Metro Manila, Central Luzon with five courts each and Calabarzon, Bicol, Central Visayas and Davao Region with four courts each.

“This is just the first batch. All regions will have designated anti-graft courts. The courts and judges are not named for security purposes,” SC spokesperson Camille Ting said. 

The SC said the move was in accordance with Republic Act 10660, which expanded the jurisdiction of the RTC to include cases under anti-graft laws that are tasked to exclusively hear and decide on corruption-related cases specifically arising from infrastructure projects.

The move follows a resolution by the SC directing the Office of the Court Administrator to monitor the filing of cases involving alleged corruption in infrastructure.

Designated RTC judges will undergo specialized training from the Philippine Judicial Academy, with lectures led by Sandiganbayan associate justices, the high court said.

Appeals from the decisions of the special courts, the SC said, will be heard by the Sandiganbayan.