By Rowena T. Cruz Deputy Speaker David Suarez, with local officials, joins Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez in launching the constructio...
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| Deputy Speaker David Suarez, with local officials, joins Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez in launching the construction of Lucena City’s future Hall of Justice on Wednesday. (Ruth Baldoman) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - To keep justice within easier reach, ground was broken Wednesday, November 20 for a new Hall of Justice in Barangay Mayao Parada to improve access to court services in the city. Rising within a developing government complex, the structure will be part of a central hub for major government offices.
For years, the city’s court offices have been scattered across different locations, forcing citizens and lawyers to travel between buildings and causing delays in legal processes. Concerns have also grown over the safety and accessibility of these older and cramped facilities.
Quezon 2nd District Rep. and Deputy Speaker David Suarez, who initiated the project, said it responds to urgent structural concerns at the old Regional Trial Court building. He cited leaking ceilings, cramped rooms, and electrical and plumbing problems that have long hampered court operations.
Suarez said the plan took years of coordination among government institutions, agencies, and private partners. He added that bringing legal services together will make transactions faster and more convenient for residents.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez said the project reflects efforts to modernize the justice system and ensure safe and well-equipped courts for the public. He stressed that improved infrastructure is vital to resolving cases on time and helping court personnel work efficiently without unnecessary delays for litigants.
The new Hall of Justice will house the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Office of the City Prosecutor – Lucena, and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO). These agencies currently function in separate buildings with limited space.
Court of Appeals Associate Justice Robert Victor Magno said the new structure should become a beacon of fairness, reflecting the public’s trust in the justice system. He urged stakeholders to uphold integrity as the project progresses, noting that a modern building must also embody the values of justice and good governance.
The construction follows the signing of a Deed of Donation on October 7 between the Quezon Provincial Government, led by Governor Angelina Tan, the Department of Justice, and the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The land was donated through the efforts of former Governor Danilo Suarez.
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