SC launches 'Bench Book for Commercial Courts'
The Supreme Court (SC) launched on Thursday, April 28, the “Bench Book for Commercial Courts” which will provide justices and trial court judges with the jurisprudence, procedural rules, and other related court issuances.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo expressed confidence that “this Bench Book... will serve as an effective guide for judges and Justices for many years to come.”
Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, chairperson of the SC’s Sub-Committee on Commercial Courts, led the launch of the Bench Book.
The Bench Book, which was completed in only three months, is a project of the sub-committee in partnership with the United States Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (US DOJOPDAT).
The book has 17 Chapters, including chapters on Cases Cognizable by Commercial Courts, Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act, Intellectual Property, and Intra-Corporate Controversies, among others.
Court of Tax Appeals Associate Justice Maria Rowena Modesto-San Pedro, chairperson of the Technical Working Group of the Bench Book for Commercial Courts, gave a background and overview of the publication during the launch.
Resident Legal Adviser Mr. Don Calvert also delivered a message in behalf of the US DOJ-OPDAT.
Also present during the launch were Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA) Chancellor and retired SC Justice Rosmari D. Carandang, PHILJA Vice-Chancellor and retired SC Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo (Ret.), Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Remedios Salazar Fernando, PHILJA Executive Secretary Justice and retired SC Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla, PHILJA Office for Administration Chief Atty. Elmer DG Eleria, and PHILJA Commercial Law Department Chair Atty. Francis Ed Lim.
Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, Deputy Court Administrator Jenny Lind R. Aldecoa-Delorino, Assistant Court Administrator Maria Regina A.F.M. Ignacio, and Acting SC Senior Chief Staff Officer Atty. Joyce Jazmin G. Dimaisip-Cunanan were also in attendace.
The launch was hosted by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Marikina Judge Romeo D. Tagra and RTC Manila Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa.