Intro To PHILJA Complete PDF

Contents
1 INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE
PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY
A. History 1
B. Vision 3
C. Mission 3
D. Philosophy and Objectives 4
E. Logo 5
2 ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
A. Board of Trustees 7
B. Academic Council 7
C. Corps of Professors 9
D. Executive Offices 9
E. Academic Offices 10
F. Philippine Mediation Center Office 11
G. Support Offices 12
H. Organizational Chart 15
3 PROGRAMS
AND COURSES
A. Core Programs 18
1. Pre-Judicature Program . . . . . . . . . . 18
2. Judicial Career Enhancement Program .. . 19
Contents 3. Orientation Seminar-Workshop
for Executive Judges
and Vice Executive Judges . . . . . 19
4. Orientation Seminar-Workshop
for Newly Appointed Judges . . . . . . 19
for Newly Appointed Clerks of Court . . 20
6. Continuing Legal Education
for Court Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
B. Development Program for Court Personnel 21
C. Special Focus Programs 21
D. Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs 23
E. Convention-Seminars 26
F. Program for Quasi-Judicial Agencies 28
G. Discussion Sessions/Roundtable Discussions 28
H. Special Lectures 30
I. International Conferences 34
4 RESEARCH
AND PUBLICATIONS
A. Research 36
B. Publications 36
5 THE PHILJA
TRAINING CENTER
38
6 APPENDICES
A. Charters 40
1. Republic Act No. 8557 . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY,
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
2. Administrative Order No. 35-96 . . . . . 45
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE J UDICIAL ACADEMY
(PHILJA)
3. Administrative Order No. 33-2008 . . . 48
DEFINING THE ORGANIZATION, POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE PHILIPPINE MEDIATION CENTER OFFICE AND MEDIATION
CENTER UNITS
4. Administrative Order No. 102-2009 . . . 56
DEFINING THE ORGANIZATION, POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE P HILIPPINE J UDICIAL A CADEMY T RAINING C ENTER
(PHILJA T RAINING C ENTER ), T AGAYTAY C ITY
B. Issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
1. Administrative Circular No. 6 . . . . . . . 62
CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
2. Administrative Circular No. 11-96 . . . . 65
INCLUSION OF PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA)
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN CONVENTIONS OF JUDGES
INCLUSION OF PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA)
AND COURT PERSONNEL
5. Administrative Circular No. 6-98 . . . . . 68
6. Administrative Matter No. 99-7-02-SC . . 69
INCLUSION OF QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES IN THE
CONTINUING PROGRAM OF THE PHILJA
Contents
7. Administrative Circular No. 99-7-07-SC . . 70
RESOLUTION PRESCRIBING GUIDELINES FOR QUALIFYING FOR
JUDICIAL OFFICE
8. Administrative Circular No. 57-2003 . . . 75
DELINEATING THE TRAINING FUNCTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE
J UDICIAL A CADEMY , THE O FFICE OF THE C OURT
ADMINISTRATOR, THE EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
D IVISION , OFFICE OF A DMINISTRATIVE S ERVICES , THE
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE, THE COURT OF APPEALS,
THE S ANDIGANBAYAN AND THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS
C. PDCI List of Donors 79

D. Of PHILJA 82
E. Development Partners 87
F. PHILJA Prayer 95
G. PHILJA Hymn 96
1
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE
PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY
A. HISTORY
The Philippine Judicial Academy was created by the Supreme

Court on March 12, 1996, under the leadership of then Chief Justice
Andres R. Narvasa, through the issuance of Administrative Order
No. 35-96 Establishment of the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA).
It received its mandate on February 26, 1998, through Republic Act
No. 8557 An Act Establishing the Philippine Judicial Academy,
Defining its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor,
and for other Purposes. This law institutionalized PHILJA as a
training school for justices, judges, court personnel, lawyers, and
aspirants to judicial posts.
When Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. took his oath on

November 30, 1998, he pledged to make the Supreme Court and
the whole Judiciary worthy of public trust and confidence. He saw
the vital role that continuing judicial education plays in ensuring
judicial competence and efficiency. Given this daunting task of
institutionalizing continuing judicial education, Chief Justice Davide
remarked, is the PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA), the [Supreme]
Courts implementing arm and the nations watchdog in the pursuit
of excellence in the Judiciary.
The Philippine Judicial Academy, a separate but component unit

of the Supreme Court, has become an all-important factor in the
promotion of judicial education in the Philippines. It receives full
patronage and support from the Court which guarantees the
participation of judges and court personnel in its programs and
activities. In fact, no first and second level trial court judge would
commence the discharge of adjudicative functions without
undergoing the related courses prescribed by the Academy. The
Judicial and Bar Council, constitutionally tasked to recommend
appointments and promotions to the Judiciary, is also directed by
law to consider the participation of judges in the programs of the
Academy, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8557.
PHIJA: the Supreme The Academy used to conduct its

activities mainly at the former Ridge
Courts implementing Convention Center, a facility located
arm and the nations on a 3.7 hectare prime lot in
watchdog in the Tagaytay City. This property was
pursuit of excellence turned over to the Supreme Court on
in the Judiciary July 19, 1995, by then President Fidel
V. Ramos, particularly for the
Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide
Academys judicial and legal
education activities. Following the donation to the Supreme Court
of the shares of the stockholders (Appendix C PDCI List of Donors)
of the Ridge Sports and Country Club Corporation (RSCCC), the
facility was converted to the PHILJA Development Center, Inc. (PDCI)
on June 5, 2003. In July 2008,the PHILJA Development Center was
renamed the PHILJA Training Center, in order to avoid confusion
with the corporate entity known as the PHILJA Development Center,
Inc. (PDCI). With a generous P300M Non-Project Grant Assistance
Counter Value Fund (NPGA-CVF) from the Government of Japan,
PHILJA completed the construction of the PHILJA Training Center
(PTC) in 2010, now the venue for many of the Academys training
activities. The Centers acquisition of modern furniture, fixtures
and equipment for its training and meeting rooms and lodging
facilities were made possible through funds from the World Bank.
The PTC has since successfully hosted seminars, orientation and
capacity building programs, various meetings and site visits, helping
sustain the Academys vision and mission for judicial excellence
while it leads in the field of judicial education.
In June 2009, retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna,

having been newly appointed Chancellor of PHILJA, sounded the
2 INTRODUCTION TO PHILJA
call for PHILJAs continuing competence and relevance in judicial
education as it advances to the 21st century. He succeeded Justice
Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera who was at the helm of the
Academy for 13 productive years.
B. VISION
To bring about a Judiciary that is independent,

competent, effective, and enjoys public trust
and confidence.
C. MISSION
. To serve the Judiciary;
. To make available opportunities for the development of

judicial competence;
. To foster sound values and the formation of constructive

attitudes.
INTRODUCTION TO PHILJA 3
PHILJA TRAINING CENTER

D. PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
PHILJA adheres to the following philosophy:
The people are best served when the Judiciary is

independent and its members are women and men of
proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.
Judicial education is an indispensable tool for ensuring an

effective, independent and credible Judiciary.
PHILJA pursues the following objectives:
To foster sound values and attitudes, expertise in

substantive and procedural laws; and develop
management competence through courses, seminars and
symposia for members of the Judiciary and quasi-judicial
bodies;
To contribute to available legal literature of scholarly and

practical significance to benefit the members of the
Judiciary through the publication of a Judicial Journal and
a Bulletin;
To integrate the Academys philosophy, principles and

objectives and instructional programs in conventions,
seminars, and other activities of the associations of judges
and court personnel;
To conduct research to advance the frontiers of juridical

science and court technology;
To develop and strengthen networking and partnership with

other institutions towards the development and
implementation of programs for continuing judicial
education.
E. LOGO
The THIRTEEN RAYS,

in yellow, represent the 13
judicial regions that the long
arm of judicial education
reaches, including the
remotest areas in the
archipelago.
The SCALES OF JUSTICE

signify PHILJAs fundamental
contribution to the
advancement of the judicial
system.
The TORCH
stands for learning, and
the light that allows all
judges and court personnel
to benefit from the book of
knowledge.
The BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE,

originally intended
to embody PHILJAs Charter,
has since evolved to signify
knowledge, which is the
ultimate goal of learning.
The DATE
indicates the establishment
of PHILJA on March 12,
1996, by virtue
of Administrative Order
No. 35-96 of the
Supreme Court.
The COLOR PURPLE

is the color of law.
Judicial education brings
about a clearer
understanding and better
application of the law.
2
ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
The PHILJA Board of Trustees is the governing board of the

Academy tasked to formulate and approve all policy proposals with
regard to the general thrust of the Academy. It is chaired by the
Chief Justice, with the Senior Associate Justice as Vice Chair. Its
members are the PHILJA Chancellor; the Presiding Justices of the
Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals; the
Court Administrator; the President of the Philippine Judges
Association; the President of the Philippine Association of Law
Schools; and a judge of the First Level Court appointed by the Board.
B. ACADEMIC COUNCIL (AC)
The Academic Council, composed of all Department

Chairpersons, considers and approves trainings, programs and
activities of the Academy, as recommended by the Chiefs of Office
of the AAO and RPLO; and sets out policies concerning these
programs, either for the implementation by, or for the information
of the Offices of the Academy.
The Department Chairpersons are recognized authorities in the

various areas of law and judicial management, who are nominated
by the Chancellor to the Board of Trustees, upon consultation with
the AC, for approval by the Court.
At present, the Academy has fourteen (14) curricular
departments, each of which is headed by a Chairperson, with a Vice
Chair and three Members. This is without prejudice to such other
department/s that PHILJA may subsequently form.
The 14 Academic Departments are as follows:
C. CORPS OF PROFESSORS
The Corps of Professors is the official instructional force of

PHILJA. It is composed of chairpersons and members of the
Academic Departments, special lecturers, full-time professors, part-
time professors and professorial lecturers.
D. EXECUTIVE OFFICES
The Executive Offices of the Academy are the Chancellors

Office, the Vice Chancellors Office and the Executive Secretarys
Office.
1. Office of the Chancellor

The Chancellor is the Head of the Academy, who is
appointed by the Supreme Court for a term of two years
without prejudice to subsequent reappointment.
The Chancellor directs, manages and supervises the day-to-day

activities of the Academy; exercises supervision and control
over all personnel of the Academy; supervises the planning,
development and implementation of the continuing program
of judicial education for justices, judges, court personnel, and
lawyers aspiring for judicial positions, and hearing officers of
quasi-judicial bodies; represents the Academy in all its
transactions and activities, including membership and
participation in international organizations, meetings and
conferences; and formulates and recommends to the BOT
policies for the effective and efficient administration of the
Academy.
2. Office of the Vice Chancellor

The Vice Chancellor is appointed by the Supreme Court for
a term of two years without prejudice to subsequent
reappointment.
The Vice Chancellor performs the duties and functions of
the Chancellor in the latters absence; assists the Chancellor
in managing and supervising the day-to-day activities of the
Academy, specifically, but not limited to, administrative and
financial matters; assists in the planning, implementation and
evaluation of all PHILJA educational programs.
3. Office of the Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary is appointed by the Supreme Court
for a term of two years, without prejudice to subsequent
reappointment, and has the same requisite qualifications and
compensation as a Regional Trial Court Judge.
The Executive Secretary serves as the ex officio Recorder-

Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Academic Council and
custodian of all records of proceedings; and performs such
other duties and functions that the Chancellor may assign.
E. ACADEMIC OFFICES
The Academic Affairs Office (AAO) is responsible for drafting

curricula and planning the academic undertakings of PHILJA;
periodically evaluating the academic programs and performance
of the lecturers; and organizing, managing and providing training
for members of the Bench and court personnel.
It is composed of three divisions: Judicial Education Division,

Court Personnel Education Division, Programming and Monitoring
Division.
The Research, Publications, and Linkages Office (RPLO) is

responsible for carrying out the Academys approved research
undertakings and executing studies related thereto; the marketing,
production, and distribution of the Academys research outputs;
operations of all PHILJA publications; and for establishing
relationships and collaborative mechanisms with other institutions
to improve resource generation and mobilization of training
programs, research and development. It is composed of three
divisions: Research and Development, Publications, and Linkages.
F. PHILIPPINE MEDIATION CENTER OFFICE (PMCO)
The Philippine Mediation Center Office (PMCO) is primarily

responsible for the expansion, development, implementation,
monitoring and sustainability of SC ADR mechanisms, namely, Court-
Annexed Mediation (CAM), Appellate Court Mediation (ACM),
Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR), Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation
(MCAM), and eventually Court-Annexed Arbitration (CAA); and other
Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. It is also tasked with
the organization of PMC Units throughout the country, as it may
deem necessary.
The PMCO is under the operational control and supervision of

PHILJA, in coordination with the Office of the Court Administrator,
through the Executive Judges.
It is composed of three divisions: Mediation Planning and

Research, Mediation Resource Management, and Mediation
Education, Training and Monitoring.
The PMCO Executive Committee, formerly ADR Committee, was

created pursuant to A.M. No. 08-2-5-SC-PHILJA, dated February
12, 2008. It reviews, formulates and recommends proposals,
guidelines, circulars on SC ADR Mechanisms, annual PMC budget,
accreditation of Mediators, and appointment/renewal of PMC Unit
Staff. It is composed of the Chancellor, as Chairperson, four regular
members appointed by the Supreme Court, and four ex officio
members, namely, the Court Administrator, the Executive Secretary,
the PHILJA Chief of Office for PMC, and the Chair of the PHILJA
ADR Department.
G. SUPPORT OFFICES
1. Administrative Office
The Administrative Office is headed by the Chief of Office
for Administration who oversees the implementation of the
functions of three divisions:
. Corporate Planning Division, which formulates annual and

long-term institutional development plans for the Academy,
and monitors and evaluates its performance, other than
academic performance;
. Administrative Division, which undertakes the planning and

management of human resources, supplies and physical
assets, and other logistical services of the Academy, with the
following sections:
. Human Resource Management Section, which is

responsible for personnel administration and human
resources development, including the conduct of human
resource sessions/echo seminars.
. Property and Supply Section, which is responsible for the

management and control of PHILJA properties, equipment
and supplies, including canvass and purchase.
. Information Systems Division, which is responsible for the:

. Creation, development, and maintenance of software
programs and systems pertaining to the Academys
information technology;
. Design, update, and maintenance of PHILJA websites and

other functions pertaining to e-learning;
Setup and administration of Local Area Network (LAN) and

other connections within the Academy; and
Maintenance of all PHILJA computers and other IT
requirements.
2. Finance Office
(per Revised A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-PHILJA, September 23, 2008)
The Finance Office, headed by a Chief of Office with
appropriate academic qualifications, is responsible for the
formulation, allocation, administration and accounting of the
Academys budget and sources of financing and other resources.
It is composed of the following divisions:
Budget Division, which plans the finances of the Academy;

prepares, examines, requests and justifies the Academys
budget; establishes budgetary controls; reports budgetary
status of trainings and seminar accomplishments; plans and
develops the basic budgetary system; and conducts related
research and analysis.
. Budget Utilization Section, prepares the PHILJA Budget

matrix; records and monitors allotments received by PHILJA
from the FMBO Budget Division, and financial assistance
and grants received from partner agencies; records and
monitors obligations; and records the disbursement
vouchers for all funds kept by PHILJA.
. Planning and Monitoring Section, prepares and reviews

budgetary financial reports and proposals for seminars and
justifications of the Academys budget; conducts canvass/
surveys for preparation of budgetary requirements during
seminars, such as transportation and accommodation; and
finalizes transactions.
. Accounting Division, which records all financial transactions,

prepares and submits financial reports to proper authorities
and agencies concerning the operations of the Academy, with
the following sections:
. Bookkeeping Section, records and accounts financial
transactions of the Academy; and gathers, analyzes, and
interprets relative financial data.
. Banks and Accounts Reconciliation Section, prepares

Monthly Bank Reconciliation Statements for all funds kept
by PHILJA.
. Cash Division, which takes charge of receipts, safekeeping

and disbursement of funds, with the following sections:
. Collection/Remittance Section, takes charge of receipts/

income collections and deposits of the Academy.
. Disbursement/Releasing Section, accounts for the

disbursement of funds kept by the Academy.
3. PHILJA Training Center Office (PTCO)

(per A.M. No. 09-5-12-SC-PHILJA, July 14, 2009)
The PTCO is headed by a Chief of Office who shall act as
General Manager in the administration of the affairs of the
Center, along with a duly appointed Assistant Chief of Office.
Both will be responsible for the implementation of PTCO
functions, with the following divisions:
Operations Division, responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the Front Office, Supplies, Food and Beverages,
and Housekeeping.
Engineering, IT and General Services Division, responsible
for the maintenance, repair, replacement, improvement and
modification of furniture, fixtures and equipment, its buildings
and other properties; and for ensuring uninterrupted provision
of utilities.
Security Services Division, responsible for the security
management of the entire facility.
The Academys Administrative and Finance Offices shall

discharge the administrative and financial functions of the PTC.
H. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1
1
Office of the CHANCELLOR
Consultants
1
Office of the
VICE CHANCELLOR
1
Office of the
1. ACADEMIC COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
2. DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS
3. CORPS OF PROFESSORS
1
FACULTY
1
ADMINISTRATIVE FINANCE 2 ACADEMIC 2 RESEARCH, 1 PHILIPPINE 3 PHILJA
4
OFFICE OFFICE AFFAIRS OFFICE PUBLICATIONS, MEDIATION TRAINING
& LINKAGES CENTER OFFICE CENTER
OFFICE OFFICE
1 1
Corporate Budget 2 (PTC, Tagaytay City)
Planning Division Division Court Personnel Research and 1 Mediation
3
Education Division Development Planning
Division & Research 4
Information 2
2 Operations
Budget Division
Systems Division Utilization 1 2 Division
Section Research
Judicial Education Section
Division 3
2 Mediation 4
Administrative 1 Planning & Library
2 Resource
Engineering,
Division Monitoring Section IT & General
Section 1 Management Services
Division Division
1 Programming
Publications 1
Human
Resource 2 &
Management Accounting Division
Section
Division Monitoring 3 4
Division Security
Mediation Services
1 2 Linkages 1 Education, Division
Property
& Bookkeeping Division Training &
Supply Section Section Monitoring
Division
Banks &
2
Accounts
Reconciliation
Section
Cash 2
Division
2
Collection/
Remittance
Section
2
Disbursement/
Releasing
Section
Legend:
1. A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-PHILJA Re Clarifying and Strengthening the Organizational Structure
and Administrative Setup of the Philippine Judicial Academy, February 24, 2004
2. Revised A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-PHILJA Re Further Clarifying and Strengthening the
Organizational Structure and Administrative Setup of the Philippine Judicial Academy,
September 23, 2008
3. A.M. No. 08-2-5-SC-PHILJA Re Administrative Order No. 33-2008, Defining the

Organization, Powers and Functions of the Philippine Mediation Center Office and
Mediation Center Units, February 12, 2008
4. A.M. No. 09-5-12-SC-PHILJA Re Administrative Order No. 102-2009, Defining the
Organization, Powers, and Functions of the PHILJA Training Center, Tagaytay City, July
14, 2009
3
PROGRAMS
AND COURSES
The Academy includes courses in its curricula and programs that

address the latest developments in substantive and procedural law,
as well as updates on technology and their possible application in
the courts. It holds lectures on ethics and value formation and
other special issues or areas of concern, such as problems of
vulnerable and marginalized groups in society; and conducts faculty
enhancement and leadership trainings.
All seminars, workshops and other judicial and legal education

programs for justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers, and
officials and lawyers of quasi-judicial bodies, whether pertaining
to their adjudicative or administrative functions, are conducted and
implemented by PHILJA, pursuant to SC Administrative Circular 57-
2003 titled Delineating the Training Functions of the Philippine
Judicial Academy, Office of the Court Administrator, Employee
Training Division, Office of Administrative Services, Program
Management Office, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court
of Tax Appeals. This issuance laid down guidelines to avoid
duplication or overlapping of training programs and activities
conducted by the said offices of the Supreme Court.
Since PHILJA is an accredited Mandatory Continuing Legal

Education (MCLE) provider, all participant-lawyers attending the
programs of the Academy earn MCLE points for their mandatory
continuing legal education requirements. Likewise, all PHILJA
programs are deemed MCLE-compliant insofar as judges and court
personnel are concerned.
A. CORE PROGRAMS
The following flagship programs are conducted regularly by the

Academy.
1. Pre-Judicature Program (PJP)

This program provides initial training to aspirants for
judicial positions, as mandated by the Academys statutory
and administrative charters. It orients and guides aspirants
towards a career in the judiciary as it offers them a judicial
perspective on the law and introduces them to skills,
attitudes, values and appropriate conduct called for by their
appointment to the Bench.
The sessions of the program are not intended to repeat

instruction in law school subjects nor serve as Bar review
materials. All subjects are approached from a judicial
perspective - the resolution of disputes by a judge.
Academics contribute a more reflective, concept-based,
philosophical approach to subjects that depart from the
provision-centered learning in law school.
The completion of the program and obtaining a passing

mark in the Written Evaluative Examination entitles a
participant to a full credit of thirty-six (36) MCLE units for
the compliance period; and 15 units towards a Master of
Laws degree at the San Beda College Graduate School of
Law, upon favorable endorsement by the Chancellor.
An announcement to all aspirants for judicial

appointments with accompanying information is posted on
the PHILJA website <http://philja.judiciary.gov.ph> and
published in two newspapers of general circulation.
As a matter of policy and practice, PHILJA furnishes

the Judicial and Bar Council, through its Chairperson, with
the names of PJP participants who successfully completed
the program, together with the ratings obtained.
2. Judicial Career Enhancement Program (JCEP)

This three-day program is intended for judges and
judicial personnel who have been in the service of the
judiciary for some time. It aims to optimize the impact of
the Academys programs while cutting down on expenses
by holding simultaneous sessions that address the concerns
of each sector.
Topics on ethics, recent developments and

jurisprudence on substantive and procedural law are
discussed, as well as emerging issues and concerns in various
fields of law, with special focus on the skills required in the
discharge of the judges respective duties and
responsibilities. It is the Academys response to the
necessity of continuing judicial and legal education and the
need to update judges and judicial personnel on the
different areas of law.
3. Orientation Seminar-Workshop for Executive Judges and

Vice Executive Judges
Upon appointment, Executive Judges and V ice
Executive Judges undergo this program which runs for at
least two days. The program is intended to update the
judges on laws, legal developments and issuances that
would enhance their capability to discharge their
administrative functions.
4. Orientation Seminar-Workshop for Newly Appointed

Judges
Upon appointment to the judiciary, judges undergo this
program to prepare them for assumption of office and the
discharge of their duties. Immersion programs in the
judges respective work stations accompany these
induction activities. Actual observation of court trials is
done by sitting in with an Executive Judge or a senior Judge
in the conduct of judicial proceedings in order to familiarize
a newly appointed judge with the skills of adjudication and
administration. Both programs are prerequisites to the
performance of judicial functions.
The orientation program addresses the following core

areas: the Judicial Person, which deals with the values,
attitudes, behavior, and outlook of a member of the Bench;
Judicial Skills, which introduces the judges to management
and administrative skills, as well as research,
communication and decision writing skills that the judicial
office demands; and Judicial Knowledge, which engages
the participants in a more intense study of substantive and
procedural law from a judicial perspective.
5. Orientation Seminar-Workshop for Newly Appointed

Clerks of Court
This program is intended to prepare newly appointed
Clerks of Court for assumption of office and the discharge
of their duties. It aims to take up with them, through a
formal training program, the latest administrative issuances
of the Supreme Court as well as necessary information on
court management and other related concerns. It is also
being conducted to meet their professional enhancement
needs, to substitute for the MCLE program from which they
are exempted by reason of their participation in PHILJA
programs.
6. Continuing Legal Education for Court Attorneys

This program, which runs for at least two days, aims to
meet the professional enhancement needs of Court
Attorneys of the Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, to
substitute for the MCLE program requirement from which
they are exempted by reason of their participation in PHILJA
programs.
The program focuses on updates on law, current
jurisprudence and administrative policies, judicial
techniques and suggested remedies to problems in trial and
procedure, in order to keep the lawyers abreast with the
latest developments and trends in the different areas of
law.
B. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR COURT PERSONNEL
This program provides continuing judicial education in response

to the need to enhance and update judicial personnel on skills,
values, systems, and procedures for a more effective performance
of their duties.
C. SPECIAL FOCUS PROGRAMS
These programs cater to judges, court personnel and other

stakeholders. They are thematic in nature, focusing on new rules
and current trends and developments, as well as emerging issues in
particular areas of law, such as, but not limited to, the following:
Election Laws
Commercial and Banking Laws
Law and Economics
Court Management and Case Flow Management
Labor Justice
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)
Womens and Childrens Rights
Environmental Law
Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
New Laws and Jurisprudence
Supreme Court Issuances
D. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) PROGRAMS
1. Court-Annexed Mediation, Mobile Court-Annexed

Mediation and Appellate Court Mediation
Mediation is a process of resolving disputes with the help

of a neutral third party (Mediator) to reach a settlement
mutually acceptable to both parties.
Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) is one of the SC ADR

mechanisms being implemented by PHILJA, whereby a case
eligible for mediation at a First Level Court or Regional Trial
Court during the pre-trial stage is referred by the presiding
judge to the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) Unit for
mediation. Mediation is successful if the parties enter into
a Compromise Agreement, and the judge renders a decision
based on this agreement. If it fails or the parties refuse to
undergo mediation, the case goes back to court for trial.
Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation (MCAM) is a form of

court-annexed mediation whereby mediation proceedings
are conducted in a mobile court deployed in an area for a
certain period.
Appellate Court Mediation (ACM) is a mediation program

in the Court of Appeals (CA), corollary to CAM in the lower
courts. In ACM, the case had undergone trial and the
judgment of the lower court had been appealed to the CA
by the aggrieved party.
Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) is another SC ADR

mechanism whereby a JDR Judge, sequentially acting as
conciliator, neutral evaluator and mediator attempts to
convince the parties to settle their case amicably if the
mediation fails in CAM/MCAM or the parties refuse
mediation to facilitate negotiations among the parties to
settle their disputes.
Establishment of Units Prior to the establishment of PMC-
CAM Units, PMC-MCAM Units, and PMC-ACM Units, PHILJA
and PMCO conduct the following series of trainings,
programs and activities:
Orientation Conference with Stakeholders This is a

one-day advocacy forum in court stations where a
PMC Unit is to be established and where mediation is
to be introduced. The stakeholders are provided with
basic knowledge on the history, development and
advantages of mediation in the Philippines. It is
attended by trial judges; officers and members of the
local IBP; representatives of NGOs, civic clubs, i.e.,
Rotary, Lions, etc., religious groups, Local Government
Units, media and other stakeholders.
Basic Mediation Course This is a four-day training

course designed to provide trial court trainee
Mediators with the requisite knowledge, attitude, and
skills that would make them effective and efficient in
resolving disputes. The participants of this course are
those who pass the interview and screening conducted
by the PMC Office.
Pre-Internship Orientation This one-day activity is

aimed at preparing the judges, clerks of court, and
trainee Mediators for the two-month Internship
Program.
Internship Program This is conducted so that the

prospective Mediators can apply what they have
learned during the basic training, and to enhance their
skills and techniques on mediation. During the
Internship, the prospective Mediators handle actual
cases under the supervision of a PMC mentor/coach
and with the participation of judges, court personnel,
and PMC Unit Staff.
Thereafter, the performance of the trainee Mediators
is evaluated by the PMC ExeCom for recommendation
to the BOT and SC En Banc for their accreditation as
Mediators for a period of two years.
Refresher/Advanced Course for Mediators This is a

regular program designed to enhance the skills of the
Accredited Mediators of the Court for possible re-
accreditation.
2. Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) Training Programs
The program is specially crafted for judges to develop

new skills in connection with their function under Rule 18
of the Rules of Court, more specifically in judicial dispute
resolution, which includes a general discussion of issues
relating to ethics, gender and social context which may arise
in JDR.
3. Specialized Mediation Programs
Seminar-Workshop on Family Mediation This three-

day program aims to help decongest court dockets and
secure acceptable and lasting resolutions to family law-
related cases. It puts emphasis on the skills needed
for mediation in the family law context through such
topics as (a) dynamics of the Filipino family, (b) creative
approaches to overcoming obstacles to settlement and
promoting reconciliation, (c) ethical dilemmas
particular to familial disputes, (d) gender and child
sensitivity, and (e) administrative procedures related
to family court mediation. Such skills would make them
effective in resolving family disputes through
compromise agreements that are fair, lasting, and will
serve the mutual interest of all parties.
Other Specialized Mediation Programs The PMCO

continues to formulate and draft curricula for other
specialized forms of mediation, such as in the field of
environmental, commercial, and agrarian laws. It also
gives importance to the drafting of curricula for the
training of mediators among indigenous peoples.
4. Development Programs for PMC Unit Staff
Work Orientation and Skills Enhancement Seminar for

PMC Unit Staff This is a three-day activity designed
to professionalize the PMC Units nationwide by
equipping all the PMC Unit Staff with the necessary
skills and attitudes for the efficient operations of their
respective units.
5. National ADR Conference
. This is a program conducted by the PMC Office every

two years. The conference aims to provide appropriate,
reasonable, and ethical dispute resolution mechanisms
in accordance with the vision of the Judiciary.
E. CONVENTION-SEMINARS
The program serves as a vehicle for learning experiences and

opportunities geared towards the improvement of the quality of
judicial service, through the enhancement of judicial and managerial
skills and knowledge, as well as the strengthening of work values.
All national conventions of judges and court employees have

an academic component and are usually conducted for one and a
half days.1 This opportunity has been optimized by the Academy to
make judicial education accessible to a wider group of judicial
persons. Effective methodologies had been developed to cope with
a huge audience.
1. Under Administrative Circular No. 13-96 dated November 28, 1996.
The following court-accredited associations hold their
convention-seminars in partnership with PHILJA:
Philippine Judges Association (PJA) an annual convention

for all Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges
Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) an annual

convention for all lady justices and judges
Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc. (PTJLI) an annual

convention for First Level Trial Court Judges excluding
judges from Metropolitan Trial Courts and Municipal Trial
Courts in Cities
Metropolitan Trial Court Judges Association of the

Philippines (MeTCJAP) an annual convention for all judges
of Metropolitan Trial Courts and Municipal Trial Courts in
Cities
Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines (COCAP) a

biennial convention for all RTC Clerks of Court
First Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines

(FLECCAP) a biennial convention for all Clerks of Court of
the First Level Trial Courts
Court Legal Researchers Association of the Philippines

(CLERAP) a biennial convention for Legal Researchers of
First and Second Level Courts
Philippine Association of Court Interpreters (PHILACI) a

biennial convention for Court Interpreters of First and
Second Level Courts
Court Stenographic Reporters Association of the Philippines

(COSTRAPHIL) a biennial convention for Stenographers
of First and Second Level Courts
Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines (SCOPHIL) a
biennial convention for all Sheriffs of First and Second Level
Courts.
Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc.

(PACSWI) a biennial convention for Social Workers of
First and Second Level Courts
Judiciary Association of Clerks of the Philippines (JACOPHIL)

a biennial convention for all Clerks of First and Second
Level Courts
Philippine Association of Court Employees (PACE) a

biennial convention for all First and Second Level employees
of the Judiciary
Court Librarians Association of the Philippines (CLAPHIL)

a biennial convention for Librarians of First and Second
Level Courts.
F. PROGRAM FOR QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES
The program is another manifestation of PHILJAs commitment,

not only to the judiciary but also to the continuing legal education
of officers and lawyers of quasi-judicial agencies, pursuant to the
Resolution of the Supreme Court En Banc in A.M. No. 99-7-02-SC-
PHILJA, dated July 6, 1999. The topics discussed are of particular
interest and usefulness to the quasi-judicial agencies concerned.
Participants are given MCLE credits.
G. DISCUSSION SESSIONS/ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
Through these discussions, members of the collegiate courts

are apprised of and consulted on recent legislative enactments,
Supreme Court issuances, and jurisprudence in the different areas
of law.
H. SPECIAL LECTURES
1. Distinguished Lecture Series
This academic activity was conceptualized when the

Philippine Supreme Court, in celebration of its centennial
year, conducted the Centenary Lecture Series, an activity
held from July 2000 to March 2002. The series featured 14
lectures of well-known legal experts and jurists who spoke
on various legal and judicial topics of fundamental
significance in the development of the Philippine Judiciary,
as well as on current laws and jurisprudence.
In 2005, the concept was

adopted in the Chief Justice
Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
Distinguished Lecture Series,
held to mark the valedictory
year of the Chief Justice. The
activity featured a series of
lectures delivered by
outstanding foreign and local
jurists on topics highlighting
judicial reforms, recent legal
trends and issues, as well as the
Chief Justices legacies in and
out of the Judiciary. The
monthly lectures were held either at the Supreme Court
Session Hall or at different law schools within Metro
Manila, and were attended by Philippine jurists, law
academics, representatives of the business sector and other
non-governmental organizations.
As part of its knowledge-sharing activities under its

judicial reform initiatives, the Supreme Court continued to
include the lecture series in its
annual activities, beginning with
the Distinguished Lectures,
Series of 2007. The year 2008
featured timely and significant
lectures on constitutional law,
on judicial administration of
cases involving indigenous
peoples, on the metes and
bounds of Philippine Territory,
on customary international
humanitarian law, and on
command responsibility. These
were delivered by the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of
Spain, a Judge of the New Zealand High Court, a former
Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
the head of the Customary International Humanitarian Law
Project of the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC), and the former president of the International
Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia.
As Chief Justice Reynato S.

Puno remarked, The goal of
this lecture series is to deepen
and broaden our understanding
of the law by inviting legal
scholars to give discourses that
shall not only consider the
realism and the pragmatism of
contemporary legal principles,
but also the theoretical and the
transcendental issues that will
complete our vision of what the
law is and ought to be.
2. The Founding Chancellor Emeritus Ameurfina A. Melencio
Herrera Award for the Most Outstanding Professorial Lecturer
On November 12, 2012, PHILJA Chancellor Adolfo S. Azcuna

delivered his lecture on the topic The Writ of Amparo: The
Philippine Experience So Far, having been chosen by the
Academic Council as the first recipient of the Founding Chancellor
Emeritus Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera Award for the Most
Outstanding Professorial Lecturer. Justice Azcuna spoke on the
developments in the implementation of the Writ after the
Supreme Court released its resolution in A.M. No. 07-9-12-SC
on the Rule on the Writ of Amparo.
This annual award for the most outstanding professorial

lecturer was made possible with funds donated by the children
of Justice Herrera to honor her on her 90th birthday on May 22,
2012, and to serve as their contribution in the promotion of
judicial excellence.
3. The METROBANK FOUNDATION, INC. Professorial Chair
Lecture
This is a yearly endowment of the Metrobank

Foundation, Inc. to encourage members of the PHILJA
Corps of Professors to write and lecture on innovative
concepts and approaches on designated areas of law. The
activity aims to enrich members of the judiciary, legal
profession, and other sectors by the lecturers expertise
on the assigned topic.
In order to extend the benefits of the lectures to more
audiences, PHILJA has partnered with the Metrobank
Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) in the roll-out of the lectures and
also to open for discussion new developments on the
lecture topics.
I. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES
PHILJA organizes international conferences for knowledge

sharing, as may be directed by the Chief Justice, or upon the request
of foreign institutions or development partners (Appendix F).
In 2003, PHILJA conducted the First Asia Pacific Judicial

Educators Forum (APJEF) attended by local and foreign delegates
from 13 countries. During this conference, the APJEF Charter was
signed and the Chancellor was elected as Chairperson of its
Executive Committee. In October 2006, the Global Forum on Liberty
and Prosperity was held on the theme Safeguarding Prosperity for
the Peoples of the World. The program aimed to forge
international understanding of the principles of Liberty and
Prosperity and to consider the challenges confronting its fulfillment.
Among the plenary speakers were the Chief Justices of Canada and
Nepal, and justices of Argentina, Australia, and Benin.
In 2008, in collaboration
with the Embassy of Italy
in Manila, PHILJA
successfully conducted the
International Conference
on the International
Criminal Court which
brought together expert
lecturers and staunch
advocates of human rights
for high-level discussions
on upholding humanity
through the
implementation of
international humanitarian
law.
In October 2011, PHILJA hosted the Fourth Hague Conference
on Private International Law (HCCH), Conference de la Haye de Droit
International Priv, Asia Pacific Regional Conference, in partnership
with the DFA-Office of Legal Affairs and the UP Law CenterInstitute
of International Legal Studies. The conference provided a venue
for the representatives from 23 countries to discuss the latest work
of the HCCH and to exchange information and experiences relating
to the implementation of certain Hague Conventions, such as the
Intercountry Adoption Convention, the Apostille Convention, the
Service Convention, and the International Child Protection
Convention.
4
RESEARCH
AND PUBLICATIONS
A. RESEARCH
PHILJA conducts research on significant developments in law

and jurisprudence and on current legal issues, the outcomes of
which are published as valuable references for the enhancement
of judicial training and education. It also provides library services
at the PHILJA Training Center in Tagaytay, particularly for the
participants, and maintains a library at the PHILJA office in Manila.
B. PUBLICATIONS
PHILJA puts out the following regular publications:

PHILJA Bulletin, a quarterly publication that provides legal
information and updates on decisions and circulars of the
Supreme Court. It features the Chancellors Message, New
Rulings of the Court, Doctrinal Reminders, Resolutions,
Orders and Circulars, and news about PHILJA training
programs and other activities.
PHILJA Judicial Journal, a biannual publication that provides
a lively forum of ideas and opinions that reflect a dynamic
justice system. It may contain a compilation of lectures from
various PHILJA activities or of relevant laws and their
implementation as well as other legal materials or references.
PHILJA Fax/Electronic Alerts, a monthly publication that
features recent Administrative Circulars and Resolutions
promulgated by the Supreme Court, as well as decisions in
selected administrative cases.
PHILJA Annual Report, a year-end report detailing the
Academys performance, prevailing issues and concerns, and
targets.
PHILJA also maintains the PHILJA website <http://
philja.judiciary.gov.ph> that contains information on the Academy
including its selected publications, Fax Alerts, updates and advance
information on PHILJA training activities and other events.
5
THE PHILJA
TRAINING CENTER
Envisioned to be the countrys landmark for judicial education,

the Philippine Judicial Academy Training Center (PTC) in Tagaytay
City was formally established on July 24, 2009, under Administrative
Order No. 102-2009. It commenced operations with a minimal
number of staff on October 3, 2011, by hosting the 60th Seminar-
Workshop for Newly Appointed Judges, one of the Academys
regular capacity building programs.
The PHILJA Training Center offers training facilities that conform
to international standards. It has conference rooms, lecture rooms,
breakout rooms for small group discussions, a moot court room, a
150-seat auditorium, an audio-visual room, a library, and a fully
equipped computer training room. One of its best features is the
Global Distance Learning Center designed for a high level of
interconnection through technology to further enhance the delivery
of judicial education.
Participants can avail of comfortable lodgings with TV and lobby
lounges, a spacious dining area, and a business center. There are
also health and wellness facilities such as swimming pool, billiard-
pool tables, jogging path, and courts for table tennis, basketball,
and badminton.
The PTCs exclusive, quiet, and hilly location in Tagaytay City
affords a cool, relaxing, and conducive environment for
conferences, seminars, workshops, and other training activities.
APPENDICES
A. CHARTERS
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8557

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY,
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to ensure an efficient
and credible Judiciary. Towards this end, it is imperative to provide
members of the Judiciary and prospective applicants with continuing
good education and training.
SEC. 2. To carry out the policy enunciated in Section 1 hereof, there is
hereby established a Philippine Judicial Academy, hereinafter referred
to as PHILJA, which shall be a separate component unit of the Supreme
Court and shall operate under its administration, supervision and
control.
SEC. 3. The PHILJA shall serve as a training school for justices, judges,
court personnel, lawyers and aspirants to judicial posts. For this
purpose, it shall provide and implement a curriculum for judicial
education, and shall conduct seminars, workshops and other training
programs designed to upgrade their legal knowledge, moral fitness,
probity, efficiency, and capability. It shall perform such other functions
and duties as may be necessary in carrying out its mandate.
SEC. 4. The Academy shall be located in Tagaytay City, or in such other
place or places as the Supreme Court may determine.
SEC. 5. The Academy shall have a Governing Board to be known as the
Board of Trustees, composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court as ex officio Chairman; the Senior Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court as ex officio Vice Chairman; the Chancellor of the
Academy, the Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeals and the
Sandiganbayan, the Court Administrator, the President of the Philippine
Judges Association, and the President of the Philippine Association
of Law Schools, as ex officio members; and a Judge of a First Level
Court, as appointive member, who shall have served as such for at
least five years and has taught in a reputable law school for the same
number of years.
The appointive member shall be appointed by the Supreme Court
and shall serve for a term of one calendar year, and may be reappointed
for another term.
The ex officio members of the Board of Trustees shall serve as
such for the duration of their incumbency in their respective offices.
All members shall serve without compensation, but shall be
entitled to reasonable honoraria/allowance for the performance of
their duties.
SEC. 6. The Executive Officials of the Academy shall be composed of a
Chancellor, a V ice Chancellor and an Executive Secretary, to be
appointed by the Supreme Court for a term of two years and without
prejudice to subsequent reappointments. The Chancellor and Vice
Chancellor shall have as requisite qualifications, unless otherwise
provided by the Supreme Court, meritorious service as member of
a collegiate appellate court for at least five years, or as Regional Trial
Court Judge for at least 10 years and, in all these instances,
meritorious service as teacher of law in a reputable law school for at
least five years.
The Executive Secretary shall have the same requisite qualifications
and the same compensation as a Regional Trial Court Judge. He or
she shall serve on a full-time basis and shall be the ex officio Recorder-
Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
The incumbent Executive Officials of the Academy who were duly
appointed by the Supreme Court and qualified as such shall continue
in their respective positions until the expiration of their initial terms,
without prejudice to their reappointment as provided in this section.
The Chancellor shall have the compensation and privileges of
an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
The Vice Chancellor shall have the compensation and privileges
of an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.
For purposes of retirement privileges, seniority, and other benefits,
service of the Executive Officials in the Academy shall be considered
as service in the Judiciary, except in cases not allowed by law.
The Executive Officials of the Academy shall not engage in the
private practice of any profession.
SEC. 7. The Academy shall be staffed by a Corps of Professorial
Lecturers. A Lecturer shall be nominated by any member of the Board
of Trustees. Upon a majority vote of the Board, the nomination shall
be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval and formal
appointment for a term of two years without prejudice to subsequent
reappointments.
SEC. 8. The academic courses and the publication of a Judicial Journal
and other legal writings shall be determined by the Chancellor in
consultation with the Corps of Professorial Lecturers and approved
by the Board of Trustees.
SEC. 9. The criteria for the selection and admission of participants shall
be determined by the Chancellor in consultation with the Corps of
Professorial Lecturers and approved by the Board of Trustees.
SEC. 10. As soon as PHILJA shall have been fully organized with the
composition of its Corps of Professorial Lecturers and other personnel,
only participants who have completed the programs prescribed by
the Academy and have satisfactorily complied with all the
requirements incident thereto may be appointed or promoted to any
position or vacancy in the Judiciary.
SEC. 11. The PHILJA may enter into consortium agreements with
educational and training institutions for the development and
implementation of programs for orientation, career development and
continuing judicial education: Provided, That the honoraria,
allowances, and other emoluments of personnel from the institutions
involved with the consortium agreements shall not be taken from the
funds of the PHILJA.
SEC. 12. All conventions of judges and court personnel shall include
pertinent Academy educational programs under such rules and
requirements as the Academy may prescribe.
SEC. 13. All income, legacies, gifts and donations for the benefit of the
Academy or for its support or maintenance shall be exempt from the
payment of all forms of taxes, donors and donees taxes, fees, income
tax, real estate, assessments and other charges of the government,
its branches and subdivisions.
SEC. 14. All legacies, gifts and donations to the Academy established
under this law shall constitute a special fund to be known as the Judicial
Academy Fund. This fund shall be administered and disbursed by the
Board of Trustees of the Academy exclusively for the purposes of this
Act.
SEC. 15. All properties, real or personal, now pertaining to the Academy,
shall be deemed automatically transferred to the Academy established
herein upon the effectivity of this Act, unless otherwise provided in
the original deed of conveyance, donation, grant or transfer.
SEC. 16. The amount necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act,
including the operation, maintenance and improvement of the
Academy, shall be included in the General Appropriations Act for 1999
and every year thereafter under the program of the Supreme Court
of the Philippines.
SEC. 17. If any of the sections or provisions of this Act is adjudged
invalid, all its other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
force.
SEC. 18. All laws, rules and regulations that may be inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 19. This Act shall take effect 15 days after its complete publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general
circulation, whichever comes earlier.
Approved.
(Sgd.) JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. (Sgd.) NEPTALI A. GONZALES

Speaker of the House President of the Senate
of Representatives
This Act, which originated from the Senate, was finally passed by
the Senate and the House of Representatives on February 19, 1998.
(Sgd.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO (Sgd.) HEZEL P. GACUTAN

Secretary General Secretary of the Senate
House of Representatives
Approved:
February 26, 1998.
(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines
Supreme Court
Manila
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 35-96

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA)
WHEREAS, the Constitution mandates that members of the Judiciary
must be of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence,
and assures all persons the right to a speedy disposition of their cases
before all judicial bodies;
WHEREAS, competence and integrity in the Judiciary can be enhanced
and maintained and the right of the people to speedy, honest and
scholarly disposition of their cases assured, through an
institutionalized, integrated, professionalized and continuing system
of judicial education for justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers;
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the constitutional
repository of judicial power and administrator of all courts, has both
the duty and the power to pursue its constitutional missions and ideals
through the creation of a Judicial Academy staffed by those most
qualified to serve from the Bench and the Bar.
NOW, THEREFORE
SECTION 1. Establishment. The Supreme Court hereby establishes
the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) which shall be charged with
the formulation and implementation of a continuing program of
judicial education for justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers.
SEC. 2. Organization. The Academy shall be a unit of the Supreme
Court.
Sec. 3. Governing Board. The Academy shall have a Governing Board
composed of the Chief Justice as ex officio Chairman; the Senior
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court as ex officio Vice Chairman;
the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, the Court Administrator,
the President of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, and the
Chancellor of the Academy as ex officio members; and an incumbent
Regional Trial Court Judge who has served as such for at least five
years and has taught in a reputable law school for the same number
of years, as appointive member.
The appointive member chosen and designated by the Supreme
Court shall serve for a term of one calendar year, and may be
reappointed for another term.
The ex officio members of the Governing Board shall serve as such
for the duration of their incumbency in their respective offices.
SEC. 4. Executive Officials. The Executive Officials of the Academy
shall be composed of a Chancellor, a Vice Chancellor and an Executive
Secretary, to be appointed by the Supreme Court for a term of two
years with no limit to subsequent extension or reappointment.
For purposes of retirement privileges, seniority, and other benefits,
service of the Executive Officials in the Academy may be considered
by the Supreme Court as service in the Judiciary, except in cases
prohibited by law.
a. The Chancellor shall have the compensation of an Associate
Justice of the Supreme Court.
b. The V ice Chancellor shall have the compensation of an
Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.
c. The Chancellor and the V ice Chancellor shall have as
requisite qualifications, unless otherwise provided by the
Supreme Court, meritorious service as member of a collegiate
appellate court for at least five years, or as Regional Trial
Court Judge for at least 10 years, and, in all these instances,
meritorious service as teacher of law in a reputable law school
for at least five years.
d. The Executive Secretary shall have the same requisite
qualifications and the same compensation as a Regional Trial
Court Judge. He or she shall serve on a full time basis and
shall be the ex officio Recorder-Secretary of the Governing
Board.
e. The Executive Officials may not engage in the private practice
of any profession.
SEC. 5. Corps of Professors. The Academy shall be staffed by a Corps
of Professors. The professors shall be nominated by any member of
the Governing Board, which nomination shall be submitted upon a
majority vote of the Board to the Supreme Court for approval and
formal appointment for a term of two years.
SEC. 6. Courses and Publications. The academic courses and the
publication of a Judicial Journal and other legal writings shall be
determined by the Chancellor in consultation with the Corps of
Professors and approved by the Governing Board.
SEC. 7. Classification of Participation. The bases for the classification
of seminar participation shall be length of service, place of assignment,
age of the participants, subject matter and similar logical criteria.
SEC. 8. Graduates. The graduates of the Academy shall be issued
certificates of attendance with coded serial numbers.
The Judicial and Bar Council is expected to give preference to
graduates of the Academy in its nominations for appointment to and
promotion in the Judiciary, all other requisite standards being equal.
SEC. 9. Funding. The Academy shall be funded: (a) by budgetary
sources; (b) from the Supreme Court budgetary allocation for
conferences, seminars, and educational training of justices, judges,
and other officials and employees of the Judiciary; and (c) from other
sources.
SEC. 10. Site. The Academy shall be located in Tagaytay City.
SEC. 11. Existing Programs. All existing programs for orientation,
career development and continuing judicial education being
undertaken by the Court through the Office of the Court Administrator
are hereby assigned to the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) which
shall coordinate with the Institute of Judicial Administration of the
University of the Philippines whenever necessary or appropriate.
S EC .12. Effectivity. This Administrative Order shall take effect
immediately.
March 12, 1996.
(Sgd.) NARVASA, CJ, PADILLA, REGALADO, DAVIDE, Jr., ROMERO,
BELLOSILLO, MELO, PUNO, VITUG, KAPUNAN, MENDOZA, FRANCISCO,
HERMOSISIMA, Jr., PANGANIBAN, JJ.
Supreme Court
Manila
A.M. No. 08-2-5-SC-PHILJA

February 12, 2008
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 33-2008
DEFINING THE ORGANIZATION, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

OF THE PHILIPPINE MEDIATION CENTER OFFICE
AND MEDIATION CENTER UNITS
WHEREAS, Article VIII, Section 5, par. (5) of the Constitution, declares

it a policy of the State to provide a simplified and inexpensive
procedure for the speedy disposition of cases and dispensation of
justice.
WHEREAS, towards this end, it is imperative to provide the people
access to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and
Mediation has been found to be one expeditious mode of dispute
resolution;
WHEREAS, the Court en banc, in A.M. No. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA, dated
October 16, 2001, among other provisions, designated the Philippine
Judicial Academy (PHILJA) as its component unit for Court-Annexed
Mediation cases and established the Philippine Mediation Center
(PMC) under the direction and management of PHILJA;
WHEREAS, pursuant to said issuance, PHILJA proceeded to set up PMC
Units in the areas of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and
the cities of Angeles, Baguio, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Digos,
Saranggani, General Santos, the provinces of Negros Occidental,
Pampanga, Misamis Oriental, Leyte, South Cotabato, La Union,
Benguet, Batangas, Bulacan, Zamboanga, Cagayan, Camarines Sur,
Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte;
WHEREAS, the continuing expansion of PMC operations in all judicial
regions demand the formalization of its structural organization within
PHILJA;
NOW, THEREFORE
The Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Philippine Judicial
Academy hereby formally organize the Philippine Mediation Center
Office and Mediation Center Units, as follows:
SECTION 1. The Philippine Mediation Center Office
The Philippine Mediation Center Office shall primarily be responsible
for the expansion, development, implementation, monitoring and
sustainability of SC ADR mechanisms, namely, Court-Annexed
Mediation (CAM), Appellate Court Mediation (ACM), Judicial Dispute
Resolution (JDR), Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation (MCAM), and
eventually Court-Annexed Arbitration (CAA) and other Alternative
Dispute Resolution mechanisms, as well as the organization of PMC
Units as it may deem necessary throughout the country. It shall be
under the operational control and supervision of PHILJA, in
coordination with the Office of the Court Administrator, through the
Executive Judges.
SEC. 2. Organizational Structure
The Philippine Mediation Center Office shall be composed of:
A. Executive Committee The powers and authority of the PMC
Office shall be vested in and exercised by an Executive Committee
composed of the PHILJA Chancellor as Chairperson and eight
members composed of four regular members who shall be
recommended by PHILJA, nominated by the PHILJA Board of
Trustees and appointed by the Supreme Court; and four ex officio
members, namely, the Court Administrator, the Vice Chancellor,
the PHILJA Chief of Office for PMC, and the Chair of the PHILJA
ADR Department, all of whom are entitled to vote.
The term of the regular members of the PMC Office Executive
Committee shall be for two years subject to renewal upon
recommendation by PHILJA to the Board of Trustees and the
approval of the Supreme Court. The Chairperson and the members
of the PMC Office Executive Committee shall be entitled to
reasonable expense allowances for attending committee meetings
in accordance with rates provided by the Supreme Court.
B. PHILJA Chief of Office for PMC The Philippine Mediation Center
Office shall have a PHILJA Chief of Office for PMC who shall be
appointed by the Court, upon recommendation of PHILJA, for a
term of two years without prejudice to subsequent
reappointment.
He must be a member of the Philippine Bar for at least 10
years and must have extensive experience in ADR of not less than
five years. He shall receive the same compensation and benefits
as an Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.
For purposes of retirement privileges, seniority, and other
benefits, service of the PHILJA Chief of Office for PMC shall be
considered as service in the Judiciary, except as may otherwise be
provided by law.
C. PHILJA Assistant Chief of Office for PMC The PHILJA Assistant
Chief of Office for PMC shall be appointed by the Court upon
recommendation of PHILJA.
He must be a member of the Philippine Bar for at least three
years. He must have extensive work experience in management
and at least three years experience in ADR. He shall receive
compensation and benefits equal to that of a Supreme Court
official with Salary Grade 28.
D. Central Office The PMC Office shall be composed of the following
divisions:
1. Mediation Planning and Research Division
2. Mediation Resource Management Division
3. Mediation Education, Training and Monitoring Division
The employees to be assigned to these divisions shall be those
listed in Section 10 of A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-PHILJA, effective June
15, 2004, including the positions of SC Chief Judicial Staff Officer,
Supervising Judicial Staff Officer, Judicial Staff Officer IV, Training
Specialist III, Computer Programmer II, two items of Training
Specialist II, two items of Training Specialist I, two items of Training
Assistant I and Judicial Staff Employee II of the Mediation
Education and Management Division, and PHILJA Attorney IV,
PHILJA Attorney II, Judicial Staff Officer V, Judicial Staff Officer III,
Legal Researcher II, Computer Operator II and Judicial Staff
Employee II of the Court Administration Reforms Division; and
PHILJA Attorney IV, PHILJA Attorney II, Judicial Staff Officer VI,
Judicial Staff Officer V, Computer Operator III, Judicial Staff
Assistant III, Computer Operator II, and Judicial Staff Employee II
of the Reforms Linkages Division, from the Judicial Reforms Office.
E. Mediation Center Units Unless otherwise provided by the
Executive Committee, the Center shall be composed of the
following units:
1. Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) The unit shall consist of a
Mediation Staff Officer V, a Mediation Staff Assistant II, a
Mediation Aide, and accredited mediators assigned thereat.
2. Appellate Court Mediation (ACM) The unit shall consist of a
Mediation Staff Officer VI, a Mediation Staff Officer IV, a
Mediation Staff Assistant II, a Mediation Aide, and accredited
mediators assigned thereat.
3. Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) The unit shall consist of a
Mediation Staff Officer V, a Mediation Staff Assistant II, and a
Mediation Aide.
4. Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation (MCAM) The unit shall
consist of a Mediation Staff Officer V, a Mediation Staff
Assistant II, a Mediation Aide, and accredited mediators
assigned thereat.
The qualifications, training, and accreditation of mediators
shall be governed by existing rules and relevant issuances of the
Supreme Court and related laws.
PMC Units shall preferably be located in a Hall of Justice or
Bulwagan ng Katarungan, or such other places close to said Halls.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, accredited
mediators are not employees of PHILJA and the PMC Office.
The Organizational Chart of the PMC Office is appended hereto
for ready reference.
SEC. 3. Powers and Functions
The PMC Office shall exercise the following powers and functions in
order to accomplish its mandate under A.M. 01-10-5-SC-PHILJA:
A. Develop and promulgate rules and regulations that it may deem
necessary subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, upon
recommendation of the Executive Committee and the PHILJA
Board of Trustees;
B. Implement in coordination with the Office of the Court
Administrator, rules and policies of the Supreme Court on ADR
mechanisms, namely, Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM), Appellate
Court Mediation (ACM), Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR), Mobile
Court-Annexed Mediation (MCAM), and eventually Court-Annexed
Arbitration (CAA) and other Alternative Dispute Resolution
mechanisms;
C. Establish such PMC Units as may be necessary;
D. Provide a system for the recruitment, screening, training and
accreditation of Mediators;
E. Monitor and evaluate the performance of Mediators, such as, in
settling disputes and in observing the Code of Ethical Standards
for Mediators, upgrade their mediation skills and oversee their
further development. Such evaluation shall be the basis for the
renewal of their accreditation as Mediators;
F. Provide a grievance mechanism and procedure for addressing
complaints against Mediators and PMC Office Unit Staff;
G. Promote and sustain the programs and activities of Court-Annexed
Mediation (CAM), Appellate Court Mediation (ACM), Judicial
Dispute Resolution (JDR), Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation
(MCAM), and eventually Court-Annexed Arbitration (CAA) and
other Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms;
H. Call on any government agency, office instrumentality,
commission or council to render such assistance as may be
necessary for the efficient performance of its functions; and
I. Exercise such other functions necessary in furtherance of its
mandate.
SEC. 4. Preparation and Submission of Monthly Reports
The Mediation Staff Officer V of each PMC Unit shall be responsible
for the preparation and timely submission to the PMC Central Office,
through the PHILJA Assistant Chief of Office for PMC, of the Monthly
Reports on the Status of Mediation Cases and such other reports as
may be required, furnishing copies thereof PHILJA and OCA.
SEC. 5. PMC Office Funds
The Mediation Fees collected and collectible pursuant to Section 9,
Rule 141, as amended, of the Rules of Court, and all income therefrom
shall constitute a special fund to be known as the SC-PHILJA-PMC
Mediation Trust Fund which shall be administered and disbursed in
accordance with guidelines set by court issuances, for purposes
enumerated in Section 9, Rule 141 of the Revised Rules of Court.
All revenues of the PMC Office from sources other than the
mediation fees above shall form part of its Special ADR Fund (SAF)
which shall be administered and disbursed by PHILJA in accordance
with the existing guidelines approved by the Supreme Court.
SEC. 6. Technical Assistance
The Philippine Mediation Center Office may propose to PHILJA and
the Supreme Court the entry into agreements with appropriate and
qualified organizations or individuals for technical assistance which
PMC Office may need for its development and improvement.
SEC. 7. Definition of Terms
The following terms shall be defined as:
(a) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) The provision of an
alternative system for settling disputes between two or more
parties, which operates independently of, or, as an adjunct to the
judicial litigation system, through the intervention of a qualified
person or persons trained to intercede in, facilitate and coordinate
the interaction of the disputants in a settlement process.
(b) Mediation A process whereby an impartial third person called a
mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between
parties for the purpose of assisting them reach a voluntary
agreement regarding their dispute. In mediation, decision-making
authority rests with the parties.
(c) Mediator An impartial person who assists in the resolution of a
dispute. The role of a mediator includes, but is not limited to,
assisting the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-
solving, and exploring options for settlement.
(d) Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) A mediation process conducted
under the auspices of the Court.
(e) Appellate Court Mediation (ACM) A mediation program in the
Court of Appeals (CA), corollary to Court-Annexed Mediation in
the lower courts. It provides a conciliatory approach in conflict
resolution. Through ACM, the CA promotes a paradigm shift in
the resolution of disputes from rights-based (judicial) to an
interest based (mediation) process to amicably settle appeals.
(e) Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) A process whereby the judge
(called the JDR Judge) employs conciliation, mediation or early
neutral evaluation in order to settle a case at the pre-trial stage.
In the event the JDR fails, then another judge (called the trial judge)
shall proceed to hear and decide the case.
(f) Mobile Court-Annexed Mediation (MCAM) A form of Court-
Annexed Mediation whereby mediation proceedings are
conducted in a mobile court deployed in an area for a certain
period.
(g) Court-Annexed Arbitration (CAA) A voluntary dispute resolution
conducted with the assistance of the court in which one or more
arbitrators appointed in accordance with the Arbitration Clause
and as agreed upon by the parties, resolve a dispute by rendering
an award.
SEC. 8. Other Funding
The Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) may receive from the PMC
Office, funds in the form of grants or donations, coming from foreign
or local institutions or individuals, for the promotion and development
of Court-Annexed Mediation and other ADR mechanisms, as approved
by the Court.
SEC. 9. Staffing Pattern
The staffing pattern of the Philippine Mediation Center Office shall
include the following positions to perform the functions of the new
office and its divisions:
SEC. 10. Effectivity
This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.
Manila, February 12, 2008
(Sgd.) REYNATO S. PUNO

Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 102-2009
DEFINING THE ORGANIZATION, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE

PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY TRAINING CENTER
(PHILJA TRAINING CENTER), TAGAYTAY CITY
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 8557 established the Philippine Judicial

Academy to provide members of the Judiciary and prospective
applicants with continuing quality education and training;
WHEREAS, Section 4 of the same law designated Tagaytay City, or
such other place or places as the Supreme Court may determine, as
the location of the Philippine Judicial Academy;
WHEREAS, on July 19, 1995, President Fidel V. Ramos authorized the
transfer of the majority shareholdings of the Government in the Ridge
Resort Corporation to the Supreme Court, for the purpose of
establishing a judicial academy.
WHEREAS, the Philippine Judicial Academy is the registered owner of
a 7,667 square-meter land in the City of Tagaytay covered by TCT No.
74786 of the Registry of Deeds for the City of Tagaytay;
WHEREAS, the Government of Japan approved on December 27, 2005,
a P300 Million grant under the Non-Project Grant Assistance of Japan
Countervalue Fund (NPGA-CVF) to finance the Expansion (Renovation,
Construction, and Equipping) of the Philippine Judicial Academy
(PHILJA) Training Center in Tagaytay City;
NOW, THEREFORE:
The Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Philippine Judicial
Academy hereby formally organize the PHILJA Training Center (PTC)
to be located at the PHILJA property in Tagaytay City as follows:
SECTION 1. The PHILJA Training Center The PTC shall be the primary
training center of the Philippine Judicial Academy, pursuant to its
mandate to serve as a training school for justices, judges, court
personnel, lawyers, and aspirants to judicial posts. It shall be under
the operational control and supervision of PHILJA through the PTC-
ExeCom.
SEC. 2. Organizational Structure The PHILJA Training Center (PTC)
shall be composed of:
A. The PTC-Executive Committee the administration of the affairs
of the PTC shall be vested in and exercised by the Executive
Committee, composed of the PHILJA Chancellor, as Chair, and
Founding Chancellor Emeritus, as Co-Chair, and five members,
composed of two regular members who shall be recommended
by PHILJA, nominated by the PHILJA Board of Trustees and
appointed by the Supreme Court; and three ex officio members,
namely, the PHILJA Executive Secretary, the Chief of Office for
Academic Affairs, and the Chief of Office for the Training Center.
The term of the members of the Training Center Executive
Committee shall be two years, subject to renewal upon
recommendation by PHILJA to the Board of Trustees and the
approval of the Supreme Court. The Chairperson and the members
of the Executive Committee shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation for attending committee meetings, in accordance
with rates provided by the Supreme Court.
B. The PHILJA Chief of Office for the PHILJA Training Center The
PTC shall have a PHILJA Chief of Office for PTC, who shall act as
General Manager and who shall be appointed by the Court, upon
the recommendation of the PHILJA Chancellor and nomination
by the Board of Trustees.
The PHILJA Chief of Office must have relevant managerial skills
and appropriate third level qualifications. He shall serve on a full-
time basis.
The PHILJA Chief of Office, if a lawyer, shall receive the same
compensation and benefits as a Presiding Judge of a Regional Trial
Court. If not a lawyer, the PHILJA Chief of Office shall receive the
corresponding compensation authorized by the Supreme Court
depending on his/her qualifications.
C. The PHILJA Assistant Chief of Office for the PHILJA Training Center
The PTC shall have a PHILJA Assistant Chief of Office for the PTC,
who shall act as Assistant General Manager, and who shall be
appointed by the Court, upon the recommendation of the PHILJA
Chancellor and nomination by the Board of Trustees.
The Assistant Chief of Office must have relevant managerial
skills and appropriate third level qualifications. He shall serve on
a full-time basis.
D. Division Heads Each Division shall be headed by an SC Chief
Judicial Staff Officer or its equivalent position with Salary Grade
25.
E. PTC Divisions The PTC shall be composed of the following
Divisions:
1) Operations Division, which shall be responsible for the day-
to-day operations of the Front Office, Supplies, Food and
Beverages, and Housekeeping. This is without prejudice to
leasing out the food and beverages services, if this is
financially feasible in the judgment of the PTC-Executive
Committee.
2) Engineering, IT and General Services Division, which shall be
responsible for maintenance, repair, replacement,
improvement and modification of furniture, fixture,
equipment, its buildings and other properties; and ensuring
uninterrupted provision of utilities (electricity and water).
3) Security Services Division, which shall be responsible for the
security management of the entire facility.
F. Administrative and Finance Functions these shall be discharged
by the Academys Administrative and Finance Offices, respectively,
without prejudice to the modification of the organizational
structure of the offices concerned.
G. Staffing Pattern the following staffing pattern of the PTC is hereby
established to perform the functions of the new divisions:
SEC. 3. Powers and Functions The PHILJA Training Center shall exercise
the following powers and functions:
A. Develop and promulgate rules and regulations with respect to
the operations and management of the PTC, subject to the
approval of the Supreme Court, upon the recommendation of the
PTC-Executive Committee and the PHILJA Board of Trustees;
B. Develop and maintain its physical facilities in accordance with its
purpose as a judicial training center;
C. Provide a system of recruitment, screening, and training of its
own personnel, in coordination with the PHILJA Administrative
Office and Office of the Administrative Services of the Supreme
Court;
D. Exercise such other functions as may be necessary in furtherance
of its purpose.
SEC. 4. Funding The PTC shall be funded from: (a) the PHILJA budget
allotted by the Supreme Court for Personal Services and Maintenance
and other Operating Expenses (MOOE); (b) its own income generated
from the possible use of its facilities by other public and private
institutions, as provided for in Section 6 below, and (c) other income-
generating sources, as may be recommended by PHILJA and approved
by the Supreme Court.
SEC. 5. Grants and Technical Assistance The PHILJA, pursuant to
Section 14, Republic Act No. 8557, is authorized to receive donations
in cash or in kind, in behalf of the PTC.
SEC. 6. Supplementary Use of PHILJA Training Center Facilities The
PTC, in order to augment its financial resources may, from time to
time, open its facilities for the use of other institutions for trainings,
conferences, seminars, and other institutional activities, provided that
such use shall not prejudice or hamper the utilization of the PTC for
PHILJA trainings, programs, and activities.
Any income derived therefrom shall be receipted and form a
special account, known as the PTC Fund, and shall accrue to the SC-
PHILJA-PTC Fund, disbursements from which shall be pursuant to
implementing guidelines approved by the Supreme Court.
The PTC Fund shall be utilized to augment the Courts allotted
budget to maintain and upgrade PTC facilities, hiring of seasonal
contractual employees and other operating expenses, whenever
necessary, subject to auditing rules and regulations. In view thereof,
the income generated shall not form part of the Judiciary Development
Fund (JDF) under PD No. 1949 nor of the special allowances granted
to justices and judges under Republic Act No. 9227.
SEC. 7. Implementing Authority The PHILJA Chancellor is hereby
authorized to implement the provisions of this Administrative Order
and to call on such officials and personnel of the Court for assistance
as may be necessary.
Upon approval of this Administrative Order, the PTC shall be
considered as an Office of PHILJA under Revised A.M. No. 01-1-04-SC-
PHILJA.
S EC . 8. Effectivity This Administrative Order shall take effect
immediately.
July 24, 2009.
(Sgd.) REYNATO S. PUNO

Chief Justice
B. ISSUANCES
Supreme Court
Manila
ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6
TO: ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, METROPOLITAN

TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL
TRIAL COURTS, AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
SUBJECT: CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Pursuant to the Supreme Court s policy of improving the
administration and delivery of justice and upgrading the performance
of the trial courts, a continuing judicial education program is hereby
established for all incumbent trial judges.
The Program shall have two levels:
1. A judicial orientation program for newly appointed judges;
and
2. A judicial career program for trial judges.
JUDICIAL ORIENTATION AND IMMERSION PROGRAM
A. Newly appointed trial judges shall undergo an orientation
program. This includes municipal judges who are appointed to
the Regional Trial Courts. The orientation program shall consist
of the following: a familiarization course on all Supreme Court
administrative circulars, judicial ethics, including court rules and
decisions, relationship with the Bar, work aptitude and work
ethics, courtroom semantics, communication techniques, and
decision writing. This course shall be undertaken in the Supreme
Court under the supervision of the Office of the Court
Administrator.
B. After completion of the familiarization program, the newly
appointed judge shall thereafter undergo an immersion program
at his/her station. He or she shall immediately report to his
station, but shall not begin to hear cases until after a one-week
immersion program is completed. The immersion program shall
consist of the following activities:
1. Actual observation of court trials by sitting in with a senior
judge in the conduct of judicial proceedings;
2. Observation of the activities in the office of the Clerk of Court,
including meetings with the different court personnel, and a
study of their functions and duties;
3. Inventory of all pending cases in the sala or branch to which
he/she is assigned;
4. A tour of the territory covered within the jurisdiction of his/
her court;
5. Familiarization with the various local governments and other
government agencies operating within the territory covered
by his/her court.
The immersion program shall be under the supervision of the
Executive Judge of the station, and in case of a single sala station,
under the supervision of the nearest Executive Judge to be assigned
by the Office of the Court Administrator.
The Executive Judge shall submit to the Supreme Court a certificate
of completion of the immersion program within 10 days from its
completion. The new judge shall formally assume his judicial duties
upon completion of the immersion course.
JUDICIAL CAREER ENRICHMENT AND JUDICIAL EXECUTIVE
PROGRAMS
The judicial career enrichment and judicial executive programs shall
be held once a year under a course of study which shall have the
following substantial features:
a. A review of recent Supreme Court decisions and legislation;
b. Monitoring and assessment of the performance of
participating judges;
c. Judicial clinic to discuss court problems;
d. Dialogue with members of the Bar and government officials
involved in the administration of justice; and
e. Other relevant aspects of judicial training as may be prescribed
by the Chief Justice.
Judicial career enrichment and judicial executive courses shall be
resident programs, unless otherwise indicated by the Chief Justice.
Both resident and non-resident programs shall be undertaken in an
environment insuring concentrated studies and productive
involvement of all participants.
October 11, 1988.
(Sgd.) MARCELO B. FERNAN
Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila
ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 11-96
TO: ALL JUDGES OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS, SHARIA DISTRICT

COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS
IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL
COURTS AND SHARIA CIRCUIT COURTS
SUBJECT: INCLUSION OF PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA)
To enable all judges of the Regional Trial Courts, Sharia District Courts,
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal
Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts and Sharia Circuit Courts,
to avail themselves of the benefits of the judicial education programs
of the PHILJA, and pursuant to the objective of the Academy to keep
the greatest possible number of participants updated on the law,
current jurisprudence and administrative policies, judicial techniques
and suggested remedies to problems in trial and procedure, it is hereby
DIRECTED that the pertinent training programs of the PHILJA be
incorporated in all conventions of judges of the aforementioned courts.
For the purpose, the officers of the associations of judges shall
coordinate with the PHILJA in the planning and implementation of
the training programs that shall be included in all forthcoming
conventions.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
October 10, 1996.
(Sgd.) ANDRES R. NARVASA

Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila
AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6

DATED OCTOBER 11, 1988

TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
In the interest of the service and in view of the growing complexities

in the administration and delivery of justice, the Immersion Program
prescribed under Administrative Circular No. 6, dated October 11,
1988, is extended from one week to one month.
November 19, 1996.

Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila

AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 11-96
TO: ALL JUDGES AND COURT PERSONNEL OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL

COURTS, SHARIA DISTRICT COURTS, METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURTS,
MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS,
MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS AND SHARIA CIRCUIT COURTS
SUBJECT: INCLUSION OF PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY (PHILJA)
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN CONVENTIONS OF JUDGES AND COURT
PERSONNEL
To enable all judges and court personnel of the Regional Trial Courts,
Sharia District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts
in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts and
Sharia Circuit Courts to avail themselves of the benefits of the judicial
education programs of the PHILJA, and pursuant to the objective of
the Academy to keep the greatest possible number of participants
updated on law, current jurisprudence and administrative policies,
judicial techniques and suggested remedies to problems in trial and
procedure, it is hereby DIRECTED that the training programs of the
PHILJA be incorporated in all conventions of judges and personnel of
the aforementioned courts.
For the purpose, the officers of the associations of judges and
court personnel shall coordinate with the PHILJA in the planning and
implementation of the training programs that shall be included in all
forthcoming conventions.
This Circular shall take effect immediately.
November 28, 1996.
Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila

AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 12-96
DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1996
AND ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 6

TRIAL COURTS, MUNICIPAL TRIAL COURTS IN CITIES, MUNICIPAL TRIAL
COURTS AND MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT TRIAL COURTS
In the interest of the service, the Immersion Program prescribed under
Administrative Circular No. 6, dated October 11, 1988, and
Administrative Circular No. 12-96, dated November 19, 1996, is
modified as follows:
Newly appointed trial judges shall undergo an Immersion Program
for one month. However, First Level Court judges, who are promoted
to the Regional Trial Courts, shall undergo the Immersion Program for
two weeks.
Judges who are laterally transferred need not undergo the
Orientation nor the Immersion Program.
July 29, 1998.

Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER NO. 99-7-02-SC

DATED JULY 6, 1999
RE: CREATION OF A SUBCOMMITTEE (COMMITTEE ON LEGAL

EDUCATION) TO BE HEADED BY FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER HERNANDO
PEREZ AND FOR THE INCLUSION OF QUASI-JUDICIAL AGENCIES IN THE
CONTINUING PROGRAM OF THE PHILJA
Considering the memorandum, dated June 23, 1999, of Associate
Justice Jose C. Vitug, Chairman, Committee on Legal Education, the
Court resolved to APPROVE the:
a. creation of a subcommittee (Committee on Legal Education) to
be headed by former Deputy Speaker Hernando B. Perez, and
b. inclusion of quasi-judicial agencies, as well as the Commission on
Elections, in the continuing education program of PHILJA.
Romero, J., is abroad on official business.
LUZVIMINDA D. PUNO
Clerk of Court
(Sgd. by) MA. LUISA D. VILLARAMA

Assistant Clerk of Court
Supreme Court
Manila
EN BANC
ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 99-7-07-SC

RESOLUTION PRESCRIBING GUIDELINES
FOR QUALIFYING FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE
TO: NEW AND ORIGINAL APPOINTEES TO THE JUDICIARY AND

INCUMBENT JUDGES WITH LATERAL AND/OR PROMOTIONAL
APPOINTMENTS
Every person appointed as judge shall, before entering upon the
performance of his judicial functions and the discharge of his duties
and responsibilities, take and subscribe an oath of office and shall,
whenever applicable, undertake an orientation seminar-workshop and
undergo an immersion program.
In order to forestall problems regarding qualifying for judicial
office, including the right to initial compensation, the following
guidelines are hereby promulgated:
1. Oath of Office
A. All newly appointed judges shall take the oath of office upon
the occasion of every appointment to a position in the
Judiciary.
B. A newly appointed judge must take his oath of office within
10 days from receipt of notice of his appointment from the
Chief Justice. The judge shall furnish the Office of
Administrative Services of the Office of the Court
Administrator (OCA) a copy of his oath of office.
C. Should a newly appointed judge be unable to take his oath of
office pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, he
shall forthwith submit to the Chief Justice a written
explanation for his inability to take such oath and inform the
Chief Justice when he can take the oath.
D. An appointee to any position of judge in the Judiciary who
decides to decline his appointment shall, within 10 days from
receipt of notice of his appointment, inform in writing the
Chief Justice of such decision and the reason/s therefor.
A. All (1) new and original appointees, and (2) judges of the First
Level Courts promoted to the Regional Trial Courts who have
already taken their oath of office shall undertake an
orientation seminar-workshop to be conducted by the
Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA). Unless otherwise
directed, a judge given a lateral promotion or transfer need
not take the orientation seminar-workshop.
B. Judges required to undertake the orientation seminar-
workshop shall await notification by the PHILJA of the
schedule of such orientation seminar-workshop which they
should attend.
C. Any judge who would be unable to attend the scheduled
orientation seminar-workshop should, immediately after
receiving notice, inform in writing the Chancellor of the PHILJA
and the Court Administrator of such inability and the
reason/s therefor.
3. Immersion Program
A. All (1) new and original appointees, and (2) judges of the First
Level Courts promoted to the Regional Trial Courts who have
already taken their oath of office shall undergo an immersion
program. Unless otherwise directed, a judge given a lateral
promotion or transfer need not undergo an immersion
program.
B. All new and original appointees shall undergo the immersion
program for one month. Judges of the First Level Courts
promoted to the Regional Trial Courts shall undergo the
immersion program for two weeks only.
C. Newly appointed judges shall commence undergoing the
immersion program within 10 days from receipt of notice
from the PHILJA. The immersion program shall be under the
supervision of the Executive Judge specified in the notice from
the PHILJA.
D. Should any judge be unable to undergo the immersion
program, he should immediately inform in writing, within
10 days from receipt of the notice from PHILJA, the Chancellor
and the Court Administrator of such inability and the
reason/s therefor.
4. Actual Assumption and Exercise of Judicial Office
A. Judges given lateral promotion or laterally transferred shall
perform their judicial functions and discharge their duties and
responsibilities immediately after furnishing the Office of
Administrative Services of the OCA with copies of their oath
of office.
Should there be a judge designated as Acting Presiding
Judge of the court/sala of the appointee, the said judge should
cease performing his functions and discharging his duties as
such Acting Presiding Judge upon actual assumption and
exercise by the appointee of his judicial office.
B. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
while undergoing the immersion program, judges of the First
Level Courts who have been promoted to multiple-sala
Regional Trial Courts shall not perform their judicial functions.
They may only act on administrative matters (e.g., the conduct
of inventory of pending cases, personnel management
matters, etc.).
C. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
while undergoing the immersion program, judges of the First
Level Courts who have been promoted to single-sala Regional
Trial Courts may already act on judicial matters which are
urgent in nature or which need immediate action (e.g.,
applications for temporary restraining orders; complaints for
preliminary injunction; applications for bail; petitions for the
issuance of the writ of habeas corpus, etc.).
D. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
after completion of the immersion program, judges of the
First Level Courts who have been promoted to either single-
sala or multiple-sala Regional Trial Courts may already enter
upon the performance of their judicial functions and the
discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
Should there be a judge designated as Acting Presiding
Judge of the court/sala of the appointee, the said judge should
cease performing his functions and discharging his duties as
such Acting Presiding Judge upon completion by the
appointee of his immersion program.
E. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
while undergoing the immersion program, new and original
appointees to the Judiciary, although they have already taken
their oath of office, cannot perform judicial functions.
However, they may act on administrative matters.
F. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
after completion of the immersion program, new and original
appointees to multiple-sala Regional Trial Courts shall not
perform their judicial functions. They may act on
administrative matters only.
G. Before undertaking the orientation seminar-workshop and
after completion of the immersion program, new and original
appointees to single-sala Regional Trial Courts may already
act on judicial matters urgent in nature or which need
immediate action.
Should there be a judge designated as Acting Presiding Judge of
the court of the new and original appointee who has already completed
the immersion program, although he has not yet undertaken the
orientation seminar-workshop, the said judge should cease performing
his functions and discharging his duties as such Acting Presiding Judge
upon completion by the appointee of his immersion program.
5. Payment of Initial Compensation
The right of newly appointed judges to their initial salaries shall accrue
as of the date of the first day of either the orientation seminar-
workshop or the immersion program, whichever date is earlier. In
order to expedite the processing of their initial salaries, newly
appointed judges should accomplish the required documents relative
to their appointments. Inquiries on this matter should be addressed
to the Office of Administrative Services of the OCA.
6. Dissemination of Information to Applicants
The Secretariat of the Judicial and Bar Council shall furnish all applicants
for appointment to the Judiciary with copies of this resolution for
their information and guidance.
This Resolution shall take effect on August 1, 1999.
Promulgated this 20th day of July 1999.
(Sgd.) HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.

Chief Justice
Supreme Court
Manila
EN BANC
DELINEATING THE TRAINING FUNCTIONS

OF THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIAL ACADEMY,
THE OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR, THE EMPLOYEE TRAINING
AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
THE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE, THE COURT OF APPEALS,
THE SANDIGANBAYAN AND THE COURT OF TAX APPEALS
WHEREAS, there is a need to avoid duplication or overlapping of

training programs and activities conducted by the Philippine Judicial
Academy (PHILJA), the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), the
Employee Training and Development Division of the Office of
Administrative Services (ETDD-OAS), the Program Management Office
(PMO), the Court of Appeals (CA), the Sandiganbayan (SB) and the
Court of Tax Appeals (CTA);
WHEREAS, by virtue of Administrative Order No. 35-96 dated March
12, 1996 and Republic Act No. 8557 enacted on February 26, 1998,
the PHILJA serves as the educational arm of the Supreme Court tasked
with the formulation and implementation of a continuing program of
judicial education for justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers,
and aspirants to judicial posts;
WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 35-96 clearly envisions an
institutionalized, integrated, professionalized, and continuing system
of judicial education for justices, judges, and court personnel and
lawyers (2nd Whereas clause, A.O. No. 35-96, March 12, 1996);
WHEREAS, in Resolution No. A.M. No. 99-7-02-SC PHILJA, dated July
6, 1999, the Supreme Court included quasi-judicial agencies, as well
as the Commission on Elections, in the continuing education program
of PHILJA;
WHEREAS, PHILJA is also an accredited training institution of the Civil
Service Commission (CSC) pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 99-2510
dated November 11, 1999;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1, Rule VIII of the Omnibus Civil Service
Rules Implementing Book V of E.O. No. 292 and Other Pertinent Civil
Service Laws, the Supreme Court created the ETDD-OAS to provide
initiative and assistance in the development and retention of a qualified
and efficient workforce in the Supreme Court, including the Office of
the Court Administrator;
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court, in Administrative Circular No. 9-2001,
created a Personnel Development Committee (PDC) pursuant to the
Courts November 14, 2000 Resolution in A.M. No. 00-10-08-SC and
CSC Memorandum Circular No. 34, s. 1994;
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court En Banc, in Resolution No. 01-4-10-SC,
dated May 4, 2001, issued the Policies and Guidelines in Human
Resource Development Programs;
WHEREAS, in PDC Resolution No. 31-2001, dated September 14, 2001,
which was duly approved by the Chief Justice on September 18, 2001,
the ETDD-OAS was authorized to conduct in-house trainings and
seminars to afford its officials and employees opportunities for
professional development and skills enhancement for a more effective
delivery of judicial and public service;
WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 828, as amended by P.D. No. 842,
established the OCA to assist the Supreme Court in the exercise of its
administrative supervision over all courts, with powers, functions and
responsibilities determined and defined by the Supreme Court (Section
1 in relation to Section 6 of P.D. No. 828, dated November 18, 1975,
as amended by P.D. No. 842, dated December 12, 1975);
WHEREAS, Section 11 of A.O. No. 35-96, dated March 12, 1996,
provides: All existing programs for orientation, career development
and continuing judicial education being undertaken by the Court
through the Office of the Court Administrator are hereby assigned to
PHILJA;
WHEREAS, SC Circular No. 30-91, dated September 30, 1991,
prescribing the Guidelines on the Functions of the Office of the Court
Administrator, authorizes the Court Administrator to provide
technical support and assistance in personnel trainings, seminars,
dialogues and other development programs for judges and court
personnel approved by the Court;
WHEREAS, A.M. No. 01-7-09-SC, dated July 17, 2001, established the
Project Management Office to have the overall responsibility of
carrying out the Judicial Reform Program, and this office was
reorganized in Administrative Order No. 71-2001, dated August 30,
2001; and
WHEREAS, presently, the PHILJA, OCA, ETDD-OAS, PMO, CA, SB, and
CTA conduct their own specific programs thereby resulting in
overlapping or duplication of training programs and activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Court RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVED, to
issue the following guidelines on the matter in issue:
1. All seminars, workshops, and other judicial and legal education
programs for justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers,
and officials and lawyers of quasi-judicial bodies shall be
conducted and implemented by the PHILJA, whether
pertaining to their adjudicative or administrative functions.
2. All training programs, seminars, and workshops for officials
and employees of the SC, CA, SB and CTA, required under the
Civil Service Rules or are peculiar to their duties and functions,
shall be conducted and implemented by their respective
administrative offices, divisions, or units except those that
may duplicate or overlap the programs of PHILJA, or are within
the latters mandate or scope of activities. The OCA shall
submit its training needs to, and coordinate with, the OAS-
SC before it conducts its own programs.
3. All training programs, seminars, and workshops directly
related to the implementation of the Action Program for
Judicial Reform (APJR) shall, in coordination with the SC, CA,
SB, CTA and OCA, be conducted and implemented by the PMO
except those that may duplicate or overlap the programs of
PHILJA, or are within the latters mandate or scope of
activities.
4. All existing programs for orientation, career development,
and continuing judicial and legal education for judges and
lower court personnel, which are being undertaken by the
Court through the OCA, having been assigned to the PHILJA
by A.O. No. 35-96, dated March 12, 1996, shall be accordingly
conducted and implemented by the PHILJA.
5. To prevent redundancy, future training programs, seminars,
and workshops shall be proposed to the PHILJA by the OAS-
SC, PMO, OCA, CA, SB, CTA, or by other interested offices and
organizations.
6. The PHILJA shall, within five working days from receipt of the
proposed training programs, workshops, and seminars
determine whether they duplicate or overlap its own
activities or planned activities, such as in the participants
involved, or training designs and modules. If there is no
overlapping, the program shall be conducted in coordination
or collaboration with the PHILJA.
7. Whenever any statute mandates the education or training of
justices, judges, court personnel, lawyers, or aspirants to
judicial posts, for any purpose whatsoever, it is understood
that the PHILJA shall be the implementing office except when
the statute specifies the particular office for the purpose, in
which case, the training shall be conducted in coordination
or collaboration with the PHILJA.
The term collaboration or coordination includes, but is not limited
to, consultation, prior approval, or assistance in the preparation of
training design and modules; recommendation and selection of
participants, trainers or consultants; conduct of training; post
evaluation; and funding.
These Guidelines shall apply to all training programs, seminars,
workshops, and activities intended for justices, judges, court personnel,
and lawyers of all court levels and of quasi-judicial bodies.
This Administrative Circular shall take effect upon its issuance.
Issued this 11th day of November 2003.
(Sgd.) DAVIDE, Jr., CJ, BELLOSILLO, PUNO, VITUG, PANGANIBAN,
QUISUMBING, YNARES-SANTIAGO, SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, CARPIO,
AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, CORONA, CARPIO MORALES, CALLEJO, Sr.,
AZCUNA, TINGA, JJ.
C. PHILJA DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDCI)
LIST OF DONORS
We profusely thank the following stockholders of the Ridge Sports and
Country Club Corporation (RSCCC) who generously donated their shares
to the Supreme Court and its education arm, the Philippine Judicial
Academy, believing in the latters mandate and the impact of judicial
education in the pursuit of Excellence in the Philippine Judiciary:
Soriano Corporation Buenaventura, Serafin
Abano, Mabel G. Cabazor, Jose P.
Abaya, Rafael R. Cabral, Josefina
Ablaza, Alfredo G. Candelario, Sergio C.
Ablaza, Luis Sr., I. Carcenery, Jose
Ackermann, Irving I. Castro, Salvador P.
Acosta, Gloria Catibayan, Francisco, Jr.
Agana, Priscila S. Champion Glue, Inc.
Agcaoili, Federico (c/o Ang Chang Eng)
Agcaoili, Manuel Noli V. Chiongbian, Erwin L.
Aguenza, Antonio A. Chiongbian, Philip L.
Aguiling, Horosi S. Choy, George
Aldana, Florencio L. Chua, Tony
Amoranto, Cecilio Cortes, Jose, Jr. L.
Anastacio, Iva C. Cristobal, Adrian E.
Ancheta, Alonzo Q. Cruz, Alfredo
Ancheta, Ruben B. Cruz, Edgardo R.
Ang, Philip T. Cruz, Erlinda M.
Ang, William L. David, Antonio N.
Antonio, Alfredo C. Dayrit, Manuel K.
Aquino, Abelardo De Guzman, Consolacion
Aquino, Antonio De Guzman, Felino
Aragon, Pedrito M. De Jesus, Jose P.
Asi, Rufino De Jesus, Leonardo
Azanza, Rafael J. De Leon, Jose T.
Badilla, Romeo G. De Leon, Marina S.
Bagatsing, Ramon, Jr. Delgado, Margarita B.
Belmonte, Feliciano, Jr. Delos Reyes, Maryo
Benitez, Jose Conrado De Santos, Senen Agustin S.
Bondoc, Rosendo D. De Ubago, Antonio Jr. G.
Buco, Alfonso A. Delos Angeles, Eduardo D.
Delos Reyes, Geronimo Jr. B. Javier, Mariano S.
Diaz, Salvador C. Jose, Ricardo H.
Domingo, Benjamin D. Lahoz, Bernardo
Dominguez, Leocadio J. Laig, Jose D.
Dragon, Renato P. Lauro, Te
Duavit, Gilberto M. Lee, Ramon C.
E.S. Manalang & Associates Liboro, Renato L.
Eizmendi, Francisco Jr., C. Licaros, Abelardo
Erecsa, Inc. Licaros, Gregorio Sr., S.
(c/o Juanito N. Ferrer) (c/o Concepcion B. Licaros)
Escolin, Norberto T. Lim, Roberto H.
Esguerra, Geronimo Limtong, Harry U.
Espinosa, Raul E. Lopez, Benjamin N.
Espiritu, Octavio Mabanta, Rogerio P.
Estrella, Francisco L. Macalintal, Apolinario A.
Fajardo, Eduardo Malgapo, Modesto
Falsis, Lucio G. (c/o Nenita Malgapo)
Fernando, Antonio A. Manahan, Angelo V.
G.V.D. Realty Corporation Manalang, Enrique S.
(represented by Maramara, Virgilio O.
Mercedes S. Gatmaytan) Marcelo, Armando
Gabionza, Santiago T. M. Marigomen, Maria Inez C.
Gatmaitan, Antonio P. (c/o Cesar L. Villanueva)
Go, Henry T. Miranda, Mamerto S.
Goco, Raul I. (c/o Dra. Ligaya M. Miranda)
Goco, Virgilio I. Monponbanua, Antonio
Gonzales, Federico C. Montealegre, Manuel D.
Gonzales, Francisco C. Ochave, Jose Maria A.
Gonzalez, Delfin L. Philippine Association of
Gozon, Felipe Government Budget
Gruet, Ernesto Administration, Inc.
Gualberto, Edgardo (PAGBA, Inc.)
Guevarra, Edgardo V. (c/o Mrs. Corazon M. Ordoez)
Guevarra, Hubert B. Payumo, Felicito C.
Guevarra, Reynaldo S. Perez, Hernando B.
Imperio, Angelito C. Perez, Vicente R.
Inciong, Amado G. Periscope Sales, Inc.
Ines, Eric (c/o Mrs. Corazon S. Sayo)
Jalandoni, Bernardino G. Phoenix Press
Javier, Jose Luis (c/o Jose Agaton R. Sibal)
Javier, Leandro D. Priority Trading, Inc.
Puyat, Aristeo Soler, Eduardo
Ramos, Januario B. Specs, Inc.
Ramos, Rebecca M. (c/o Thomas V. Aquino)
Resurrecion, Lydia H. S.P. Castro and Associates, Inc.
Reyes, Bienvenido L. Suck, Cesar F.
Reyes, Eleazar B. Sumulong, Victor R.
Reynoso, George Jr. The Manager Club, Inc.
Rodrigo, Francisco Soc A. (c/o Aurelio Dacanay)
Rodrigo, Veronica E. Torrado, Justino T.
Rodriguez, Eulalio S. Uy, Peter G.
Rojas, Virginia S. VacPhil Rubber Corp.
Rufino, Carlos S. (c/o Ramon D. Tuazon)
(Urban Linkages Valdez, Ambrosio Jr. V.
Management Corporation) Velazco, Horacio
Rufino, Emmanuel Villafuerte, Rufo G.
Rufino, Macario (Sunvar, Inc.) Villaneuva, Francisco Sr., D.
Rural Bank of Mendez Villanueva, Cesar L.
(c/o Rolando H. Sarmiento) Villaneuva, Jose Alfredo D.
Salvador, Leopoldo C. Yam, Carlos B.
Sanchez, Wilfrido E. Yuchengco, Yvonne S.
Santiago, Quintin P. Yu Mun
Santiago, Wilfredo B. (c/o Mrs. Yu Mun, N.W.L.)
Santos, Amante T. Zamora, Manuel
Santos, Nestor A. Zamora, Renato A
Segundo, Elias F. Zubiri, Jose Ma. R.
Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Zulueta, Isagani A.
D. OF PHILJA. . .
I must say that of the many initiatives and projects undertaken
during my tenure as Chief Justice, nothing has given me greater
satisfaction and sense of fulfillment than the establishment of
the Philippine Judicial Academy, and the acceptance by Mme.
Justice Herrera of the function of leading it as its Chancellor.
CHIEF JUSTICE ANDRES R. NARVASA, 1998
As the Supreme Courts training arm to ensure judicial

competence and excellence, the Academy has the assurance of
Chief Justice Davide who said early in his term: [D]uring
my watch of the Supreme Court x x x the PHILJA shall receive
the Courts boundless support and assistance.
CHIEF JUSTICE HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR., 1999
[The Academy] achieves international standards in that it

supports judicial independence through a judicial majority and
it is representative of the various courts it serves.
WORLD BANK JUDICIAL SECTOR STUDY, 2000
x x x the delegates took special notice of the Philippine

Judicial Academy (PHILJA) and its critical role in elevating
the standards of judicial education.
9th CONFERENCE OF CHIEF JUSTICES OF ASIA
AND THE PACIFIC, Christchurch, New Zealand, October 2001
PHILJA has a most advanced and sophisticated structure of

judicial education.
COMMONWEALTH JUDICIAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE Inaugural
Meeting Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
December 2001
PHILJA successfully conducted a record 92 training
programs for Year 2001, or an average of 7.6 a month. It
reached approximately 2,673 Judges; 3,901 judicial personnel;
371 officials of quasi-judicial agencies; and 172 lawyers
aspiring for judicial positions.
xxxx
It was not only the quantity that was significant. The
substantive quality of the programs, the expertise of its
lecturers, and the continuing assessment and improvement of
the curricula, contributed to a consistently high rating by
participants of profitability for them. Also graded by them
most favorably were the educational experience, the format,
the methods, the choice of thematic programs, including the
working teams assigned.
2001 PHILJA YEAR-END REPORT
WHEREAS, the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA),

the education arm of the Supreme Court, continues to
aggressively pursue the purposes, goals and objectives set forth
in its Charter, RA No. 8557. Its record of accomplishments for
CY2002 surpasses all expectations.
CHIEF JUSTICE HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.
Memorandum Order No. 03-2002
The Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) sows the seeds

of judicial excellence nationwide by training thousands of
justices, judges, and court personnel through an average of four
(4) judicial seminars a month. A total of 1,184 judges, 841
clerks of court, 361 court attorneys, and 2,937 court personnel
benefited last year from 53 PHILJA seminars, which added
up to 181 training days.
xxxx
PHILJAs contribution in uplifting judicial competence to
global standards has also been recognized by international
institutions. The World Banks 2000 Judicial Sector Study
has noted the Academys independence while overseas
conferences of judges have acknowledged PHILJAs standards
in judicial education. The Commonwealth Judicial Education
Institute Inaugural Meeting in Nova Scotia in Canada last
December 2001, for example, commended PHILJA for having
the most advanced and sophisticated structure of judicial
education;
Merzenaida Donovan, Benchbreak,
a news feature service of the
Action Program for Judicial Reform
If we are to render environmental justice, we must, therefore,

keep our knowledge on environmental laws, issues, and
concerns up to date. This is the boon that we gain from the
Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA). By affording us these
training opportunities, we keep pace with developments that
will help us deliver quality environmental justice.
-Excerpt from the Inspirational Message of the Honorable
Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. entitled: The Role of
Courts in Environmental Protection, delivered on August
15, 2003, at the Judges Forum on Environmental
Protection: Philippine Environmental Law, Practice, and
the Role of Courts, held at the PHILJA Development Center,
Tagaytay City.
Let me first congratulate the PHILJA, The Asia Foundation

and the U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership for sponsoring
this Environmental Law Training of Trainers Seminar-
Workshop with Experiental Learning. I was reading the
different parts of your program and I was impressed by its
balance. First, you examined in depth the normative content
and remedial measures provided for by RA No. 8749
(Philippine Clean Air Act), RA No. 9275 (Philippine Clean
Water Act), and RA No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act). Second, you constructed hypothetical cases
to test the application of these laws. Third, you discussed the
current issues which will impede the effectiveness of these laws
and which pose a challenge to the Judiciary, the administrative
agencies and the prosecution, including the law enforcement
agencies. To cap it all, you have designed an Outline of the
Training Manual on Environmental Law. All of these are a
strong testament that (thanks to PHILJA), we are well ahead
of other countries in knowing the latest wrinkles in
environmental law.
xxxx
x x x in the ASEAN region, we have one of the most
developed programs on environmental law.
Excerpts from the Inspirational Message of Honorable
Reynato S. Puno, Senior Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court of the Philippines, at the Environmental
Law Training of Trainers Seminar-Workshop with
Experiential Learning, on October 15, 2004, at the
PHILJA Development Center, Tagaytay City.
When our very energetic Chancellor, Mme. Justice Herrera,

was still a member of the Supreme Court and the [chairperson]
of the Computerization Committee, she introduced the Case
Administration System (CAS). The Court had its e-mail
facilities since 1991. These technologies were just being talked
about at that time. History now confirms that we were in the
right direction.
Justice Herrera has always been a visionary, and todays
launching merely confirms what we in the Court knew all
along. Her stewardship of the Philippine Judicial Academy
(PHILJA) would be a tough act to follow.
xxxx
With the e-Learning modules that will be launched today,
judges can be mentored by online tutors who can take questions
anytime via the e-mail. It is a convenient and effective way
of learning. The contents are also developed to be interactive
with online chats with mentors/tutors and user friendly tools
for navigation. Thus, the experience would be participatory
rather than where one would be just a passive listener.
xxxx
During this period of time, PHILJA will be able to test the
usability and experience the benefits of e-Learning. PHILJA
will also be able to study the profile and preferred learning
methodology amongst other statistics to gain a better
understanding of e-Leanings role in judicial education. I
understand that PHILJA will also be taking time to explore
the feasibility of more topics that can be done on this platform.
We encourage and welcome all judges feedback during this
trial period, so that we are all able to benefit more from e-
Learning.
Who knows? This experiment could be a prelude to PHILJA
eventually branching out its own Online Academy.
Excerpts from the Keynote Address of the
Honorable Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
entitled, e-Learning for Quality Service, delivered
on December 1, 2004, at the Launching and Demonstration
of the e-Learning Pilot Project for the Judiciary,
E. DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Through the Years
Programs done in collaboration with local and international

development agencies stress the direct relationship between
development and a credible, competent Judiciary, and the immediate
and pressing concern for judicial education in most jurisdictions.
Among PHILJAs partners are:
- ABS-CBN Bantay Bata - Arellano University School of
Foundation, Inc. Law
- Action for Economic Reforms - ASEAN Law Association (ALA)
(AER)
- Asia Pacific Jurist Association
- Action Program for Judicial (APJA)
Reform (APJR)
- Asia Regional Training Office
- Adhikain Para sa Karapatang (DLI Asia RTO)
PambataAteneo Human
- Asian Development Bank
Rights Center (AKAPAHRC)
(ADB)
- Advisory Board Foundation
- Asian Environmental
- Agrarian Justice Foundation, Compliance and Enforcement
Inc. (AJFI) Network (AECEN)
- Alternative Law Groups, Inc. - Asian Institute of Journalism
(ALG) and Communication (AIJC)
- American Bar Association and - Assisi Development
Asia Law Foundation Foundation
- American Bar Association - Association Compassion
Asia Law Initiative (ABA-Asia) Asian Youth (ACAY)
- American Bar Association - Association of Southeast
Rule of Law Initiative (ABA- Asian NationsWildlife
ROLI) Enforcement Network
(ASEAN-WEN)
- American Center for
International Labor Solidarity - Ateneo Center for Continuing
Legal Education
- Anti-Money Laundering
Council (AMLC)
- Ateneo de Davao University - Chartered Institute of
College of Law Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Ateneo De Manila University - Chief Justice Claudio
Department of Economics Teehankee Center for the Rule
of Law
- Ateneo Human Rights Center
(AHRC) - Child Protection Network
Foundation, Inc. (CPU-Net)
- Ateneo Law School (ALS)
- Cities: Angeles; Antipolo;
- Ateneo Law SchoolCenter
Baguio; Balanga, Bataan;
for International Economic
Batangas; Calbayog; Calapan;
Law
Cauayan, Isabela; Danao;
- Ateneo School of Dipolog; Gingoog; Iloilo;
Government (ASOG) Isabela; Las Pias; Legazpi;
- Australian Agency for Lipa; Lucena; Mandaue;
International Development Marikina; Mati, Davao;
(AusAID) Muntinlupa; Naga;
Olongapo, Zambales; Ormoc;
- Australian Embassy Oroquieta; Pagadian;
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Paraaque; Pasay; Pasig;
(BSP) Puerto Princesa; San
Fernando, Pampanga; San
- British Embassy Juan; City of Santiago,
- Bulacan State University Isabela; Silay; Tacloban;
College of Law Tagbilaran; Taguig; Tagum;
Tarlac; Toledo; Tuguegarao
- Bureau of Fisheries and Valenzuela; Zamboanga
Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
- Civil Service Commision (CSC)
- Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) - Clerks of Court Association of
the Philippines (COCAP)
- Cardno Shaping the Future
- Coalition for Restorative
- CD Technologies Asia, Inc. Justice
(CDAsia)
- Commission on Audit (COA)
- Center for Child Advocacy
- Commission on Human
- Center for Democratic Rights (CHR)
Institution (CDI)Australia
- Commission on Human
- Center for International RightsChild Rights Center
Economic Law (CHR-CRC)
- Commonwealth Judicial - Department of Foreign Affairs
Education Institute (CJEI) (DFA)
- Conciliation Resources - Department of Foreign
International Alert AffairsOffice of Legal Affairs
- Congressional Oversight - Department of the Interior
Committe on Dangerous and Local Government (DILG)
Drugs Law
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Council for the Welfare of
- Department of Social Welfare
Children (CWC)
and Development (DSWD)
- Court Legal Researchers
- Einstein Institute for Science
Association of the
Health and the Courts
Philippines, Inc. (CLERAP)
(EINSHAC)
- Court Librarians Association
- Embassy of Finland
of the Philippines (CLAPHIL)
- Embassy of France in the
- Court of Appeals (CA)
Philippines
- Court of AppealsCommittee
- Embassy of Italy in Manila
on Gender and Development
(CA-GAD) Focal Point - Embassy of the United
Kingdom
- Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)
- Embassy of the United States
- Court Stenographic Reporters
of America
Association of the
Philippines, Inc. - European Commission (EC)
(COSTRAPHIL) - European UnionPhilippines
- CrimsonLogic Justice Support Program
(EPJUST)
- Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)
- Far Eastern University
- De La Salle University (DLSU)
- Far Eastern University
- Department of Agrarian
Institute of Law (FEU-IL)
Reform (DAR)
- Federation of Filipino
- Department of Agriculture
Chinese Chambers of
(DA)
Commerce and Industry
- Department of Environment
- First Level Clerks of Court
and Natural Resources (DENR)
Association of the Philippines
of the Philippines (FLECCAP)
- Ford Foundation Makati; Pampanga; Quezon
City; SOCSARGEN
- Foundation for the Philippine
Environment (FPE) - Intellectual Property Office of
the Philippines (IPOPHIL)
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
- Intellectual Property Research
- Friedrich Naumann
and Training Institute
Foundation
- Interchurch Organisation for
- Gender and Development
Development Cooperation
Resource and Coordinating
Office - International Association of
Women Judges (IAWJ)
- Government of Japan
- International Committee of the
- Government of Netherlands
Red Cross (ICRC)
- Haribon Foundation
- International Development Law
- Harnessing Self-Reliant Institute (IDLI)
Initiative and Knowledge, Inc.
(HASIK) Movement
InstituteAsia Regional Training
- House of Representative Office (IDLI Asia RTO)
Electoral Tribunal (HRET)
- Housing and Land Use Organization (IDLO)
Regulatory Board (HLURB)
- International Foundation of
- Initiatives for Dialogue and Election Systems (IFES)
Empowerment through
- International Justice Mission
Alternative Legal Services
Manila (IJM)
(IDEALS)
- International Justice Mission
- Institute of Environmental
Cebu (IJM)
Science and Research Limited
- International Labour
- Institute of Social Studies and
Organization (ILO)
Action (ISSA)
- International Law Institute
- Insurance Commission
- International Organization for
- Integrated Bar of the
Judicial Training (IOJT)
Philippines (IBP)
- International Society for the
- Integrated Bar of the
Prevention of Child Abuse and
Philippines (IBP) Chapters:
Neglect (ISPCAN)
Davao; Davao City; Leyte;
- International Visitor Program - National Bureau of
Philippines Alumni Investigation (NBI)
Foundation, Inc. (IVPPAFI)
- National Bureau of
- Japan Bank for International Investigation Academy
Cooperation
- National Center for State
- Judicial Commission of New Courts (NCSC)
South Wales
- National Commission on
- Judiciary Association of Clerks Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
of the Philippines (JACOPHIL)
- National Judicial Institute of
- Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung Canada (NJI)
- Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre - National Labor Relations
for Arbitration (KLRCA) Commission (NLRC)
- Land Registration Authority - National Police Commission
(LRA) (NAPOLCOM)
- Land Bank of the Philippines - Overseas Argo-Fisheries
(LBP) Consultants, Corporation
(OAFIC)
- Legal Management Council of
the Phillipines (LMCP) - Pacific Rim Innovation and
Management Exponents, Inc.
- LIBERTAS
(PRIMEX)
- Lyceum of the Philippines
- Parole and Probation
- Mandatory Continuing Legal Administration, Inc. (PPA)
Education (MCLE)
- Parole and Probation
- Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Administration Employees
- Metropolitan and City Judges Association, Inc.National
Association of the Philippines Capital Region
(MetCJAP) - Philippine Association of
- Mindanao Economic Court Employees (PACE)
Development Council - Philippine Association of
(MEDCo) Court Interpreters (PHILACI)
- Municipalities: Agoo; Ilagan, - Philippine Association of
Isabela; Kalibo, Aklan; Court Social Workers, Inc.
Lingayen; Manolo Fortich (PACSWI)
- Philippine Association of Law - Philippine Women Judges
Schools (PALS) Association (PWJA)
- Philippine Association of Law - Plan International, Inc.
School Deans
- Presidential Commission on
- Philippine Bar Association Good Government (PCGG)
(PBA)
- Process Servers Association of
- Philippine Deposit Insurance the Philippines (PROSAPHIL)
Corporation (PDIC)
- Professional Regulation
- Philippine Dispute Resolution Commission (PRC)
Center, Inc. (PDRCI)
- Provinces: Abra; Aklan;
- Philippine Ecumenical Action Antique; Baler, Aurora;
for Community Batangas; Benguet; Bukidnon;
Empowerment Foundation Bulacan; Camarines Norte;
(Peace Foundation) Cavite; Cotabato; Davao Del
Norte; Davao Oriental;
- Philippine Exporters
Laguna; La Union; Misamis
Confederation, Inc.
Oriental; Northern Samar;
- Philippine Information Nueva Ecija; Nueva Vizcaya;
Agency (PIA) Oriental Mindoro;
- Philippine Judges Association Pangasinan; Sarangani
(PJA) - Public Attorneys Office (PAO)
- Philippine Mediation Center - Rotary Club of San Francisco,
(PMC) Del Monte
- Philippine Mediation - Royal Netherlands Embassy
Foundation, Inc. (PMFI)
- Regional Trial CourtClerks of
- Phillipine National Police Court Association of the
(PNP) Philippines (RTC-COCAP)
- Philippine Overseas - Rule of Law Effectiveness
Employment Administration (ROLE)
(POEA)
- San Beda-Graduate School of
- Philippine Trial Judges Law (SB)
League, Inc. (PTJLI)
- Sandiganbayan (SB)
- Philippine Tropical Forest
- Save the Children
Conservation Foundation
(PTCFC)
- Securities and Exchange - Supreme CourtOffice of the
Commission (SEC) Court Administrator (SC-OCA)
- Sentro ng Alternatibong - Supreme CourtProgram
Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN) Management Office (SC-PMO)
- Sheriffs Confederation of the - Tanggol Kalikasan (TK)
Philippines (SCOPHIL)
- Task Force Macapagal (TFM)
- Silliman University
- The Asia Foundation (TAF)
- Silliman UniversityCollege of
- The Institute of Human Rights
Law
(IHR)
- Singapore Mediation Center
- Traffic Southeast Asia
- Social Weather Stations (SWS)
- Trade Union Congress of the
- Supreme CourtCommittee on Philippines (TUCP)
Computerization and Library
- Union of Clerks of Court of the
- Supreme CourtCommittee on Philippines (UCCP)
Enhanced Justice on Wheels
- United Nations Childrens
(SC-EJOW)
Fund (UNICEF)
- Supreme CourtCommittee on
- United Nations Commission
Gender Responsiveness in the
on Human Rights (UNCHR)
Judiciary (SC-CGRJ)
- United Nations Development
- Supreme CourtCommittee on
Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
Gender Responsiveness in the
Judiciary (CGRJ) - United Nations Development
Subcommittee on Training and Programme (UNDP)
Capacity Building - United Nations Development
- Supreme CourtCommittee on Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
Security - United Nations Environment
- Supreme CourtManagement Programme (UNEP)
Information Systems Office - United Nations High
(SC-MISO) Commissioner for Human
- Supreme CourtOffice of Rights (UNHCHR)
Administrative Services - United StatesAsia
(SC-OAS) Environmental Partnership
(US-AEP)
- United States Agency for - University of the EastCollege
International Development of Law
(USAID)
- University of the Philippines
- United States Agency for Institute of Judicial
International Development Administration (UP-IJA)
(USAID)Government of the
Philippines
College of Law
- United States Department of
CommerceCommercial Law
Natural Science Research
Development Program
Institute
Justice (USDOJ)
Law Center
Justice Criminal Division
Law CenterInstitute of
Office of Overseas
International Legal Studies
Prosecutorial Development,
Assistance and Training - Values for Development
(OPDAT) Foundation, Inc. (VDFI)
- United States Department of - Virlane Foundation
the Interior (USDOI) - Women Legal Bureau (WLB)
- United States Embassy - Womens Legal Education,
- United States Environmental Advocacy and Defense
Protection Agency (USEPA) Foundation, Inc.
(WOMENLEAD)
- University of San Carlos
- Women Trial Lawyers
- University of Santo Tomas
Organization of the
- University of Santo Tomas Philippines (WTLOP)
Faculty of Civil Law
- World Bank (WB)
- University of the East
F. PHILJA PRAYER
BY FR. RANHILIO C. AQUINO
Father of the Eternal Word,

the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever,
You call forth from all creation,
all that is noblest and most exalted.
In Your peoples thirst for justice,

we recognize a yearning for Your Kingdom.
When we, your sons and daughters,
render unto each other that which is due and fair,
we serve you and conform ourselves to your Holy Will.
Grant that through us,

your servants at the Philippine Judicial Academy,
the courts of our land may be so permeated by Your Spirit
and strive for excellence in the Judiciary,
so that there may be established among us,
a reign of justice and of profound
respect for the rights of all.
Make us instruments of justice and equity,

by serving with competence and ardor,
so that all may see Your hand at work in our world,
and your compassion guiding us through PHILJAs history.
G. PHILJA HYMN
Words and Music by
FR. RANHILIO C. AQUINO
They ascend the dais

Our ministers of the law
At the Bench they preside
Our High Priests of Justice
To the plaint of all they must give ear
And to all who before them stand
They must render right and redress the wrong.
Refrain
To imbue their hearts with a passion for justice
To set their souls ablaze with zeal for the law
To nurture them in the truth
And to steel them in adversity
Thus, we swear to serve at the Philippine Judicial Academy.
Respect for the law

In all they must impress
Confidence in its processes
They must in all inspire
With motives pure and conscience clear
Render justice as the law ordains
At the Supreme Courts Academy, this is our pledge.

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Contents

C. PDCI List of Donors 79

The Philippine Judicial Academy was created by the Supreme

When Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. took his oath on

The Philippine Judicial Academy, a separate but component unit

PHIJA: the Supreme The Academy used to conduct its

In June 2009, retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna,

To bring about a Judiciary that is independent,

. To serve the Judiciary;

. To make available opportunities for the development of

. To foster sound values and the formation of constructive

PHILJA TRAINING CENTER

PHILJA adheres to the following philosophy:

The people are best served when the Judiciary is

Judicial education is an indispensable tool for ensuring an

PHILJA pursues the following objectives:

To foster sound values and attitudes, expertise in

To contribute to available legal literature of scholarly and

To integrate the Academys philosophy, principles and

To conduct research to advance the frontiers of juridical

To develop and strengthen networking and partnership with

The THIRTEEN RAYS,

The SCALES OF JUSTICE

The BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE,

The COLOR PURPLE

A. BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)

The PHILJA Board of Trustees is the governing board of the

B. ACADEMIC COUNCIL (AC)

The Academic Council, composed of all Department

The Department Chairpersons are recognized authorities in the

The 14 Academic Departments are as follows:

The Corps of Professors is the official instructional force of

The Executive Offices of the Academy are the Chancellors

1. Office of the Chancellor

The Chancellor directs, manages and supervises the day-to-day

2. Office of the Vice Chancellor

3. Office of the Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary serves as the ex officio Recorder-

The Academic Affairs Office (AAO) is responsible for drafting

It is composed of three divisions: Judicial Education Division,

The Research, Publications, and Linkages Office (RPLO) is

F. PHILIPPINE MEDIATION CENTER OFFICE (PMCO)

The Philippine Mediation Center Office (PMCO) is primarily

The PMCO is under the operational control and supervision of

It is composed of three divisions: Mediation Planning and

The PMCO Executive Committee, formerly ADR Committee, was

. Corporate Planning Division, which formulates annual and

. Administrative Division, which undertakes the planning and

. Human Resource Management Section, which is

. Property and Supply Section, which is responsible for the

. Information Systems Division, which is responsible for the:

. Design, update, and maintenance of PHILJA websites and

Setup and administration of Local Area Network (LAN) and

Budget Division, which plans the finances of the Academy;

. Budget Utilization Section, prepares the PHILJA Budget

. Planning and Monitoring Section, prepares and reviews

. Accounting Division, which records all financial transactions,

. Banks and Accounts Reconciliation Section, prepares

. Cash Division, which takes charge of receipts, safekeeping

. Collection/Remittance Section, takes charge of receipts/

. Disbursement/Releasing Section, accounts for the

3. PHILJA Training Center Office (PTCO)

The Academys Administrative and Finance Offices shall