House Bill 3948 Aims to Bring Faster and More Accessible Justice to Novo Vizcayanos

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya — A stronger and more accessible justice system is on the horizon as Representative Atty. Joseph Timothy E. Cayton filed House Bill 3948, a measure seeking the creation of four new Municipal Trial Court branches in the province. The bill, now gaining support at the House of Representatives, forms part of the long-term initiative to modernize judicial services under the banner of “Brand New Nueva Vizcaya,” or the social media shorthand #BrandNewNV.

House Bill 3948 proposes new Municipal Trial Court branches in Alfonso Castañeda, Diadi, Quezon, and Sta. Fe. These towns currently rely on limited MTC coverage, which has led to congested dockets, slow-moving cases, and costly travel for litigants coming from remote barangays. For Congressman Cayton, the creation of new courts is both urgent and overdue, especially with case volumes steadily increasing in the last decade across Nueva Vizcaya.

In his sponsorship speech, the lawmaker emphasized that the province’s judicial landscape has long been stretched thin. Many residents face delayed hearings, prolonged legal disputes, and added expenses because courts are too few and too far apart. He said the current situation undermines the constitutional promise that justice must be “speedy, accessible, and inexpensive” for every Filipino.

A Growing Caseload and a Growing Need

Cong. Cayton explained that while the province has remained committed to improving public service, the judiciary at the municipal level has struggled with insufficient manpower and infrastructure. Case filings in municipalities like Sta. Fe and Quezon have risen steadily due to population growth, business expansion, and increasing legal awareness among citizens. With only a handful of MTC branches currently serving the entire province, the system has been forced into bottlenecks that delay resolutions.

He noted that some litigants from far-flung barangays travel more than an hour from the mountains or across municipal borders just to attend hearings. Such travel is not only expensive for daily wage earners but also affects witnesses, complainants, and accused persons, all of whom deserve a fair and timely process. For Cayton, this alone shows the necessity of expanding the number of MTCs.

The proposed courts under HB 3948 are intended to relieve congestion, distribute caseloads more evenly, and allow judges to handle cases with the attention they deserve. More judges and staff would also mean quicker issuance of rulings, decisions, and orders, ultimately benefiting the entire justice ecosystem of Nueva Vizcaya.

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Strengthening the Judiciary for a Stronger Province

The congressman said the bill is anchored on one simple principle: justice delayed is justice denied. He stressed that additional trial courts will shorten litigation timelines, reduce backlogs, and significantly improve the experience of ordinary citizens seeking legal remedies.

According to Cong. Cayton, HB 3948 is designed to modernize judicial services and make court processes less intimidating and more accessible. He believes that the establishment of new Municipal Trial Court branches will bring justice “closer to the homes of the people,” especially in areas currently underserved by the judiciary.

“With additional Municipal Trial Courts, cases will be resolved more quickly, court backlogs will be reduced, and travel time will be shortened because courts will be closer to the people,” Cayton said.

He added that a more balanced caseload will help judges render decisions efficiently and fairly, improving confidence in the justice system.

Part of a Larger Vision for #BrandNewNV

The filing of House Bill 3948 forms part of Cong. Cayton’s broader vision of transforming Nueva Vizcaya into a province with modern, people-centered governance. His push for more courts aligns with what he describes as “Programa, Hindi Drama,” a campaign committed to delivering real, measurable results rather than political theatrics.

By improving the accessibility of judicial services, the measure supports other provincial efforts to enhance local governance, protect rights, and encourage business and community development. A faster justice system benefits victims of crime, entrepreneurs dealing with contracts, families addressing civil disputes, and individuals seeking legal protection.

For Cayton, the strengthening of the judiciary is foundational to progress.

“This is about making the justice system more present in the lives of our people,” he said in his sponsorship speech during the House session.

“Every Novo Vizcayano deserves a court that is reachable, responsive, and ready to act.”

A Step Toward Faster and Fairer Justice

HB 3948 is now moving through the legislative process, with hopes of swift approval. Should it pass into law, the creation of the four new Municipal Trial Court branches is expected to significantly transform the province’s judicial landscape.

Residents of Alfonso Castañeda, Diadi, Quezon, and Sta. Fe may soon have courts within easier reach, reducing both costs and delays that have long burdened the justice system. With more accessible courtrooms, more efficient operations, and better service delivery, the measure aims to ensure that justice becomes a reality experienced by every Novo Vizcayano, not just a principle written in law.

As the province awaits further developments, the push for House Bill 3948 stands as a strong reminder that accessible justice is not just a legal objective. It is an essential part of building a fair, safe, and progressive Nueva Vizcaya.

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