House panel approves HB 3829 for additional courts in Bataan

A key measure seeking to expand the judiciary in Bataan has moved forward after the House Committee on Appropriations approved House Bill 3829 during its May 20 meeting, led by Senior Vice Chairperson and Bataan Second District Representative Abet Garcia. The bill aims to establish additional courts across the province to improve access to justice for Bataeños.

Co-authored by Bataan 3^rd District Rep. Gila Garcia, the measure proposes the creation of four new branches of the Regional Trial Court, including a Family Court, along with two branches of the Municipal Trial Court and one branch of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities under the Third Judicial Region.

The additional courts are planned for Balanga and the municipalities of Dinalupihan, Mariveles, and Hermosa, areas seen to benefit from expanded legal infrastructure amid increasing case volumes.

Lawmakers said the proposed court expansion would help decongest existing dockets, speed up case resolution, and bring legal services closer to residents across the province.