The Supreme Court (SC) launched on Friday, April 22, its “Bench Book for Family Courts” which would guide court personnel – justices, judges, and court staff – in the handling and disposition of child and family cases.
It said the launching of the book “represents the Judiciary’s commitment to provide children access to justice and protect them from all forms of abuse and exploitation.”
Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, chairperson of the SC’s Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns, said the book outlines the procedures on the different aspects of the family law.
During the launch, Bernabe also said the SC has approved the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the social aspect of Republic Act No. 8639, the Family Courts Act of 1997.
She said the IRR will be launched separately by the SC in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other stakeholders.
In his speech, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said the development of the Bench Book was part of the SC’s support to the implementation of RA 8369.
The jurisdiction of family courts, which used to be solely for child and family cases, has been expanded to include other special laws on domestic violence, trafficking, and cybercrimes, Gesmundo said.
“This Bench Book for Family Courts reflects the Court's unwavering commitment to uphold and protect the interests of family, women, and children and the delivery of justice for victims of domestic violence and other forms of child exploitation and abuse,” the Chief Justice said.
He pointed out the importance of the Bench Book “at this time when cases of domestic violence against women and children are on the rise because of containment measures coupled by financial shocks and psychosocial distress caused by the (Covid-19) pandemic.”
Also in attendance during the launch at the SC’s session hall were Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Jhosep Y. Lopez, and Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez.
Those who joined online were Justices Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Justice Mario V. Lopez.
Also in attendance were retired Chief Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro, who acted as consultant of the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns; Philippine Judicial Academy Chancellor Rosmari D. Carandang, Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, Public Information Office Chief Brian Keith F. Hosaka, Judicial Reform Program Administrator Laura C.H. Del Rosario, and other SC officials.
The launching ceremony was hosted by Deputy Court Administrator Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino and members of the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns.
SaferkidsPH Consortium and the Australian Embassy headed by His Excellency Steven J. Robinson, AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, were also in attendance. The Consortium -- which is composed of Save the Children, The Asia Foundation (TAF), and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) provided technical assistance in developing the Bench Book with support from the Australian Embassy.
UNICEF was represented by M. Patricia Lim Ah Ken, TAF by Mr. Sam Chittick, and Save the Children Philippines by Atty. Alberto T. Muyot.