SC amends territorial jurisdictions of 2 family courts in Zamboanga del Norte

The Supreme Court (SC) has amended the territorial jurisdictions of the two branches of the family courts (FCs) in Zamboanga del Norte to improve access to justice and enhance the delivery of judicial service.

- By REY G. PANALIGAN

Republic Act No. 8369, the Family Courts Act of 1997, mandates the creation of FCs in every province and city to help preserve family unity, encourage reconciliation, and promote the peaceful resolution of family disputes, the SC said.

FCs, which are branches of the regional trial courts (RTC), have exclusive original jurisdiction over family and child-related cases. They handle cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, support, custody, and other matters of the family law.

In a resolution, the SC transferred three towns in Zamboanga del Norte from Branch 3-FC in Dipolog City to Branch 4-FC in Dapitan City.