Several bills passed by the House that seek to create more courts for the provinces of Laguna and Cebu and the city of Valenzuela has been approved by the Senate.

The passage of the measures into law is expected to lessen the backlog of cases in the Philippines, especially those in the provinces.

Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the Senate committees on justice and human Rights, sponsored House Bill Nos. 4476, 4492, 4511 and 4513.

The bills were approved with 19 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention. The bills were approved on second reading without amendments last July 31. - Manila Bulletin

Once enacted into law, seven RTC's will be created in the province of Cebu - one in Carcar, one in Naga and five will be created in Bogo City.

Senators who approved the measures:

• Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile
• Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada
• Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III
• Joker Arroyo
• Pia Cayetano
• Franklin Drilon
• Francis Escudero
• Teofisto Guingona III
• Gregorio Honasan II
• Panfilo Lacson
• Manuel Lapid Jr.
• Loren Legarda
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
• Sergio Osmeña III
• Aquilino Pimentel III
• Ralph Recto
• Ramon Revilla Jr.
• Antonio Trillanes IV 
• Manuel Villar