MANILA — Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin on Friday reminded officials and employees of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) to uphold the rule of law at all times.
“I urge that we remain focused in our jobs and responsibilities and stay committed and persevering in achieving our common goal of delivering fast and efficient justice to all,” the top magistrate said in his speech at the tax court’s 65th founding anniversary in Quezon City.
Bersamin also underscored that the primary role of workers in the judiciary is to serve the people.
“The people expect nothing less. The people deserve nothing less,” stressed the Chief Justice.
Established by virtue of Republic Act No. 1125 on June 16, 1954, the CTA is an appellate court with jurisdiction, not only over civil tax cases but also cases that are criminal in nature, as well as local tax cases, property taxes, and final collection of taxes.
It is currently composed of Presiding Justice Roman del Rosario and eight Associate Justices, namely Juanito Castañeda Jr., Lovell R. Bautista, Erlinda Piñera Uy, Caesar A. Casanova, Esperanza R. Fabon-Victorino, Cielito N. Mindaro-Grulla, Catherine Manahan and Ma. Belen M. Ringpis-Liban.
The CTA justices may sit en banc or in three divisions composed of three justices each.