MANILA – The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the long-awaited Manila City Hall of Justice (MCHJ) will start construction by the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking to reporters, Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez said the long-delayed project would finally begin after a team finalized a redesign after a flaw was found in the original plans.
The plan to build a hall of justice in Manila started as early as 1982, but encountered obstacles along the way such as location, budget, and strict compliance with the Procurement Act and the National Cultural Heritage Act.
Marquez noted that the original site for the project was the old Jai-alai building along Taft Ave., but was “swapped for a more appropriately sized” site.
The new site is the 10,000-square meter structure which used to be the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) building in Arroceros St. across the Manila City Hall.
“The new site beside a major Manila mall will preserve the facade of the GSIS building and will house the 80 regional trial courts (RTCs) and up to 30 metropolitan trial courts,” Marquez said.
The new MCHJ will be composed of three interconnected buildings, including the old GSIS building, the new expansion building, and the parking building, and will house 120 courtrooms and three special courtrooms.
Currently, Manila courts are spread out in three locations: in the Manila City Hall, the old Ombudsman building, and the former Masagana Complex along Kalaw. (PNA)