THE construction of the proposed Hall of Justice at Mt. Banat-i which has been triggering controversy has gained traction as provincial board is supportive of its realization.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved just days before the year 2025 ended Resolution No. 2025-1268, “Interposing no objection to the construction of the Hall of Justice in Mt. Banat-i, Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.”
The said measure provided that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) “conduct a thorough review and assessment of the proposed site specifically to evaluate risk of flooding, landslide susceptibility and the necessary mitigating measures.”
Provincial Board Member Atty. Venzencio B. Arcamo has sponsored the said measure without objection. Board Members Lawrence Xavier Ancla, BM Dr. Romulo G. Cepedoza and BM Greg Crispinito Jala seconded the sponsor.
The Committee Report of the Joint Committees on Natural Resources & Environmental Protection and Public, Works, Highways & Related Infrastructure, Committee Report No. 2025-09 recommended its approval which the SP okayed.
The said “thorough scientific study and the conducted technical explanation provided by the representative of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the committee interposes no objection provided that the DENR and other government agencies will look into the matter and that all other requirements be complied with to ensure environmental sustainability, conservation, and protection.”
But lately, the Bohol Chronicle reported on its Feb. 8 issue that there’s no approved ECC for the project as stressed by Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) region 7. The said ECC was off the list of the EMB as the proponents allegedly failed to submit the requirements.
Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) Bohol chief Engr. Cory Lyn E. Estavillo said that the said ECC application for the project was automatically dropped by the system due to incomplete requirements. “The proponent may reapply. A “No Objection” clearance is not required; however, a valid Zoning Certificate is necessary for the application.”
The Tagbilaran BayWatch has been opposing this citing environmental degradation and requirements that must be complied with. “Atty. Esther Gertrude D. Biliran, spokesperson for Tagbilaran Baywatch expressed support for the Hall of Justice project but opposed its proposed location on Banat-i Hill due to environmental and safety concerns. Key issues raised include the absence of public consultation, lack of transparency in site selection, geological risks of building on limestone terrain, and insufficient stakeholder engagement,” according to the report of said joint committee of the provincial board.
Board Member Atty. Jamie Villamor stressed the committee’s support for the project but emphasized that any additional conditions must have a legal basis. She also called for inter-agency collaboration to ensure safety, especially concerning drainage issues, and reaffirmed the community’s backing of the Hall of Justice.
It was learned that the proposed Hall of Justice at Banat Hill showed surveys confirmed stable limestone terrain with no active faults after the survey in December 2022.
The five-storey, two-basement structure will follow national codes, with seismic-resistant design, deep foundations, and proper drainage. The facility will include public amenities, spaces for vulnerable groups, and features drawn from best practices, such as those in Angeles City. Security and utility separation are integrated. All risks are being addressed through engineering and regulatory compliance, the committee report said.
Engr. Misa, a Supreme Court consultant, had this to say: only PHIVOLCS-certified data may guide structural design per the National Structural Code of the Philippines. He noted that Banat-i Hill’s limestone conditions are standard and manageable, citing successful similar projects in Bohol and Cebu. He added that structures are designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes and modern engineering ensures buildings remain stable post-event through seismic energy absorption. No MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) study has been conducted on Banat-i Hill, but DENR clarified that it is not in a protected area, unlike the Chocolate Hills. HazardHunterPH, an official PHIVOLCS tool, confirms Banat-i Hill’s proximity to major fault lines, but certification is not required unless in a protected zone.
Retired Judge Suceso Arcamo who attended the said meeting stressed the following: The Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) has been officially authorized by the Supreme Court’s Hall of Justice Committee—the department overseeing all Hall of Justice projects nationwide—to act as liaison for the project.
Also, required LGU and barangay certifications for land use compatibility and jurisdiction have been secured; The subdivision survey by Engr. Lumuthang is completed and pending DENR approval for zoning certification; The land is untitled and covered only by a tax declaration.; The project is fully funded by the Supreme Court; Shared offices (e.g., Prosecutor and Probation) will cover their own utilities; The donation is unconditional, and the Supreme Court has hired top engineers and architects, ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards; The current Hall of Justice is from the 1970s, underscoring the urgency of the new building.; Despite being named “Hall of Justice, Tagbilaran City,” the facility will serve Tagbilaran and 15 municipalities under RTC jurisdiction, similar to other Halls of Justice in Talibon, Loay, and Carmen; Though named Hall of Justice, Tagbilaran City, it serves Tagbilaran plus 15 municipalities under RTC jurisdiction, with other Halls of Justice covering different areas in Bohol. (Ric Obedencio)
