Regional Trial Court Branch 9, Manila
On July 13, 2026, the Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPFI), through its Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP), conducted an educational court visit at Regional Trial Court Branch 9, City of Manila, presided over by Hon. Jacqueline Martin-Balictar.
The activity brought together four (4) child participants from the Quezon City Protection Center (QCPC) and six (6) accompanying adults for a meaningful, child-centered learning experience intended to help young victims and witnesses understand the judicial process and prepare for possible participation in court proceedings.
Learning About the Justice System
Throughout the session, the court personnel provided age-appropriate explanations of courtroom procedures and introduced the children to the different professionals who contribute to the administration of justice.
The participants learned about the roles of the Judge, Prosecutor, Public Attorney, Court Stenographer, Court Social Worker, and other court personnel. Understanding these roles helped make the courtroom environment more familiar and less intimidating.
A particularly engaging part of the visit was the demonstration by the Court
Stenographer, who explained the importance of accurately recording everything said during court proceedings. The children learned why they should speak clearly, loudly, and truthfully when testifying, and why verbal responses are important because gestures such as nodding or shaking the head cannot be recorded in the transcript.
The Court Social Worker also explained the support available to child witnesses before and during testimony. The children were reassured that they would not be expected to face the courtroom alone and that support may be provided when they feel nervous, overwhelmed, or distressed. The discussion also introduced appropriate alternatives, such as remote testimony, when available and appropriate to the circumstances of a case.
Understanding the Roles of Prosecutors and Lawyers
Assistant City Prosecutor Laudemer J. Daza explained the role of the prosecution in criminal proceedings. The children learned that criminal cases are prosecuted in the name of the People of the Philippines and that prosecutors evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether there is sufficient legal basis to pursue charges.
The children were encouraged to maintain communication with prosecutors, attend meetings when required, and provide truthful and consistent accounts of what they experienced.
A meaningful discussion also focused on truthful testimony. The children were reminded that they should never be coached to invent stories but should simply tell the truth and what actually happened. Educational tools, including the anatomically correct dolls, were discussed as possible aids in helping child victims communicate difficult experiences in an age-appropriate manner.
Atty. Jasmine A. Puno of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) likewise discussed the role of PAO lawyers within the justice system. The children learned that PAO lawyers have important responsibilities in protecting constitutional rights and ensuring due process.
Knowing Their Rights
The session concluded with guidance from Hon. Jacqueline Martin-Balictar, who discussed the rights of child complainants and witnesses in the courtroom.
The children learned that they may inform the prosecutor or the court if they are not yet emotionally ready to testify. They may request breaks when they become anxious, ask for a support person, and seek appropriate measures that may allow them to testify without directly facing the accused.
Judge Martin-Balictar also explained the different stages of testimony—including direct examination, cross-examination, redirect examination, and recross-examinations so that the children would have a clearer idea of what to expect during an actual hearing.
More importantly, the session reinforced a central message of KTCAP: understanding the court process can help reduce fear and empower children to participate more confidently in the justice system.
From Fear to Confidence
The impact of the visit was reflected in the participants’ feedback.
Feedback from Children:
“Matapos ang aming court visit, mas naunawaan ko kung paano gumagana ang korte at kung paano nito pinoprotektahan kaming mga batang biktima. Nalaman ko na kaming mga bata ay may karapatang marinig, maprotektahan, at mabigyan ng hustisya. Hindi dapat matakot kaming mga batang nakaranas ng pang-aabuso o anumang maling gawain na magsabi ng totoo, dahil maraming tao ang handang tumulong sa amin, tulad ng mga judge, abogado, social worker, at iba pang kawani ng korte. Ang KTCAP naman ay idinisenyo upang tulungan kaming mga bata na maunawaan ang proseso ng korte at mabawasan ang aming takot sa pagharap dito.”
— Female, 15 years old
“Ang aking bagong natutunan ay na ang isang public lawyer ay maaari ring kumatawan sa magkabilang panig, depende sa sitwasyon. Kung walang sariling abogado ang akusado, maaaring ma-assign sa kanya ang kaso. Hindi dahil iyon ang gusto nila, kundi dahil iyon ang panig na ipinagkatiwala sa kanila.”
— Female, 15 years old
Feedback from Mothers:
“Sa una, nakaka-kaba, ngunit bilang magulang, marami akong natutunan at nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makita at maranasan kung paano gumagana ang korte. Pagkatapos ng aktibidad, naging mas aware ako sa mga maaaring mangyari sa kaso at mas naging handa. Kailangan ding lakasan ang loob at malaman kung ano ang nararapat na isagot sa mga tanong.”
— Mother of a 15-year-old child
“The court visit helped me feel more prepared to support my child throughout their court journey. It gave me a better understanding of the court process and increased my confidence in guiding, supporting, and encouraging my child throughout the experience.”
Feedback from Social Worker:
“My overall experience during the court visit was meaningful and fulfilling. Having participated in a similar activity before, I was already familiar with the process, which made me feel more confident in assisting the children. It was rewarding to see them learn and become more comfortable with the court environment, knowing that the experience would help prepare and empower them for their future court proceedings.
Although I was already familiar with the court process, I gained a deeper appreciation of how court orientation activities can help reduce children’s fear and anxiety. I also learned more effective ways to support and prepare child clients through age-appropriate and trauma-informed guidance.
The activity reinforced my understanding of court processes and hearing procedures. It also gave me a better perspective on how to explain these processes to child clients in a way that is age-appropriate, reassuring, and easier for them to understand.
Overall, the court visit strengthened my confidence in supporting child clients throughout their court journey. It also enhanced my ability to provide appropriate guidance, reassurance, and emotional support before, during, and after court proceedings.”
Empowering Children Through KTCAP
The educational court visit at RTC Branch 9 Manila demonstrated the importance of preparing children before they encounter the justice system.
Through KTCAP, children are given an opportunity to ask questions, understand courtroom procedures, meet justice-sector professionals, learn about their rights, and recognize the support available to them.
The goal is not simply to familiarize children with the courtroom. It is to help them approach the justice process with knowledge, confidence, courage, and hope.
The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, Inc. extends its sincere appreciation to Hon. Jacqueline Martin-Balictar and the entire RTC Branch 9 City of Manila team for their support and for helping create a child-friendly and respectful learning environment.
Together, we continue working toward a justice system where every child is heard, protected, supported, and empowered.