BAGUIO CITY — Construction of a Hall of Justice intended to serve Baguio City and other parts of Northern Luzon is set to begin in Camp John Hay.
This comes after the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) granted the Supreme Court of the Philippines usufructuary rights over a 10,000-square-meter property in the area.
The project aims to establish a centralized judicial complex to improve court efficiency and reduce case congestion. By relocating judicial services to a purpose-built facility, the government seeks to make legal services more accessible to communities outside Metro Manila. BCDA officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to utilize state land to strengthen governance and legal infrastructure.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the agreement reflects a shared responsibility among government institutions to deliver public services, noting that the land will support a facility dedicated to fairness and the rule of law.
Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta said the development marks a step toward expanding judicial presence in the region, particularly in growing urban centers. She stressed that cooperation in the use of government land is essential to ensure public benefit.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and other members of the Supreme Court. BCDA Chairperson Larry B. Paredes served as a witness to the agreement.
The project aligns with the national administration’s goal of expanding access to justice and improving government service delivery across the regions. Once completed, the facility is expected to help public institutions operate more efficiently for residents of Northern Luzon.