Revised Guidelines on the Pairing System of Multi-Sala Courts Involving Newly-Created Courts, Statutory Family Courts, or Regular Regional Trial Courts
OCA Circular No. 295-2022 outlines revised guidelines for the pairing system of multi-sala courts in the Philippines, specifically addressing newly-created courts, statutory Family Courts, and regular Regional Trial Courts (RTCs). The established pairing system will remain in effect, with statutory Family Courts paired with the court having the last branch number, regardless of their numerical designation. Newly-created courts will also be paired similarly, while any unpaired branches will be assigned to the Executive Judge's court. In cases of vacancies or prolonged absences of judges, the Executive Judge will assume responsibility for the cases in those branches. These guidelines are effective immediately and supersede any previous conflicting circulars.
October 21, 2022
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 295-2022
| TO | : | All Multi-Sala Courts Involving Newly-Created Courts, Statutory Family Courts, and Regular Regional Trial Courts |
| SUBJECT | : | Revised Guidelines on the Pairing System of Multi-Sala Courts Involving Newly-Created Courts, Statutory Family Courts, or Regular Regional Trial Courts |
In its Resolution dated 28 June 2022 in A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC(Re: Guidelines on the Selection and Designation of Executive Judges and Defining their Powers, Prerogatives and Duties), the Court en bancAPPROVED the following revised guidelines on the pairing system of multi-sala courts involving newly-created courts, statutory Family Courts or regular Regional Trial Courts (RTCs):
(i) The existing pairing system adopted by the multi-sala courts shall be maintained. If a statutory Family Court is established in the station, the statutory Family Court shall be paired with the court with the last branch number.
For example, in a station of the RTC with five (5) branches, i.e., Branches 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, the statutory Family Court, whatever its branch number may be, like Branch 6-FC or Branch 16-FC, shall be paired with Branch 14 although the Family Court is lower or higher in branch number.
(ii) In case there is/are newly-created court/s, the previous pairing system shall be maintained. The newly-created court/s, irrespective of its/their numerical branch, shall be paired with the court having the last branch number.
For example, in a station of the RTC with six (6) branches including the statutory Family Court, i.e., Branches 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 6-FC, if there is only one (1) newly created-court, Branch 15, the said court shall be paired with the branch presided by the Executive Judge. If there are two (2) newly-created courts, Branches 15 and 16, both courts shall be paired with each other.
(iii) Any branch in a station left without a pair shall be paired with the branch presided by the Executive Judge in addition to the latter's regular paired branch.
(iv) In case of vacancy in the two (2) branches paired with each other, or the prolonged absence of both presiding judges of the paired branches, the Executive Judge shall take cognizance of all the cases thereat as acting judge.
Thus, as a general rule, the date when the Family Court, or any other special court, or newly-created court was organized, will be considered in determining its pairing court.
Any prior circular from the Office of the Court Administrator on this matter which is contrary to the foregoing is hereby deemed superseded.
These guidelines shall take effect immediately.
For your information, guidance, and strict compliance.
(SGD.) RAUL B. VILLANUEVACourt Administrator