The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 approved a resolution on June 24, 2026, urging the Supreme Court (SC) to fast-track the long-delayed construction of a permanent, disaster-resilient judicial complex at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.
Repeated Displacements Due to Earthquakes
The request follows multiple relocations of Cebu courts after two major earthquakes. The original Palace of Justice at the Capitol compound was damaged by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake on October 15, 2013, forcing courts to move to the Qimonda IT Center near the port area. More than a decade later, a magnitude 6.9 offshore earthquake on September 30, 2025, caused structural damage to the Qimonda building, prompting another relocation.
“The repeated displacement highlighted the vulnerability of temporary facilities and underscored the urgent need for a permanent and resilient judicial complex,” said Department of Budget and Management 7 Acting Director Maricor Baquial, who serves as DAC co-chairperson.
Resolution Details
The resolution was approved during the RDC 7 second-quarter full council meeting in Danao City on June 24, 2026. It originated from Development Administration Committee (DAC) Resolution 11, Series of 2026, which the committee approved on June 2 before endorsing it to the full council.
The proposed Hall of Justice would bring courts and justice-related offices under one roof, ensuring uninterrupted operations, improved coordination, and better public access to legal services. The project aligns with the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023–2028, which prioritizes improved justice infrastructure.
Land Donated, But Construction Stalled
The Cebu City Government donated a 1.5-hectare parcel of land at the SRP to the SC on January 30, 2019. Despite several groundbreaking ceremonies, actual construction has yet to begin. The RDC resolution questions the delay and urges the SC to move the project forward.
Separate Rehabilitation of Marcelo Fernan Palace of Justice
The SRP project is separate from the rehabilitation of the Marcelo Fernan Palace of Justice at the Capitol Compound. In May 2026, the Provincial Government allocated P150 million for the initial phase of restoring the building, which has been unused since the 2013 earthquake. The total rehabilitation cost is estimated between P200 million and P400 million. Once completed, the restored building is intended to house the Court of Appeals and reduce office congestion within the Capitol. The Provincial Legal Office is also working on a new management arrangement with the Department of Justice.
Next Steps
The RDC resolution now awaits action from the Supreme Court, which will decide on the next steps for the proposed permanent Hall of Justice at the SRP.
