FLORA, Apayao – A long-awaited milestone in the administration of justice in the province was reached today, March 19, as Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang led the inauguration of the newly-constructed Justice Hall in Flora, Apayao.
A project under the Department of Public Works and Highways–Apayao Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-ASDEO) Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP), the building was funded through the initiative of Bulut-Begtang with a budget of PhP9,723,958.11.
This facility will house the 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Flora-Santa Marcela, presided over by Hon. Judge Richardson G. Agbisit of the Second Judicial Region.
For years, the local judiciary operated in a deteriorating and aging building, with concerns growing whether it could still serve its purpose.
Flora Mayor Rodolfo Juan Sr., in his message, said that their long-standing need has finally been addressed. “Matagal na nating pangarap ito. Sa wakas, may sarili na tayong hukuman dito sa Flora-Santa Marcela area. Sana sa tulong ng bagong gusaling ito, mas mapabilis ang paghatid ng hustisya,” Juan said.
Meanwhile, Bulut-Begtang used the inauguration to underscore her advocacy for justice, particularly in cases involving abuse against women and children.
“Ang halaga ng building na nito ay nakasalalay sa kung paano ito magagamit para tiyakin na ang biktima ng pang-aabuso, lalo na ang mga kababaihan at mga bata, ay makakamit ang hustisyang nararapat sa kanila,” she stated.
She further challenged prosecutors and members of the judiciary to uphold their duty with integrity and urgency, particularly in addressing rape cases and gender-based violence in the province. “Hindi pwedeng patagalin ang hustisya. Ang bawat araw na natatagalan ang isang kaso ay dagdag na pahirap sa biktima. Sana, mas maging agresibo tayo sa pagtugon sa mga kasong ito, para sa tunay na proteksyon ng ating mga kababaihan,” she urged.
With the Flora Justice Hall now operational, legal proceedings in the municipality and its neighboring Santa Marcela are expected to be more accessible and efficient so that justice is not just promised—but delivered. By Jess Christley Marquez
