Iloilo City judge joins SC’s family courts committee

ILOILO City – An Ilongga judge has been appointed to a key committee under the Supreme Court.

Judge Elijo Sharon Herrera-Bellones, the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Iloilo City since December 2019, has been named a member of the Technical Working Group for the Supreme Court’s Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns (CFCJC).

The CFCJC, created under Supreme Court Memorandum Order No. 20-14, plays a pivotal role in the implementation of Republic Act No. 8369 or the Family Courts Act of 1997. It is currently chaired by 2025 Bar Chairperson Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier and is responsible for crafting rules and regulations that govern family courts nationwide.

Judge Bellones’ appointment is seen as a significant contribution to the judiciary, particularly in the area of family and juvenile justice. Her background includes a law degree from the University of San Agustin – College of Law, where she also teaches, and an undergraduate degree from the University of the Philippines Visayas. She graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas.

Mayor Jerry Treñas hailed the judge’s new role, saying, “As Mayor of Iloilo City and a fellow lawyer, I am filled with pride and joy upon learning of your appointment to the Supreme Court’s Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns. This is not only a personal achievement but a great honor for the entire City of Iloilo.”

Treñas emphasized that Iloilo City is proud to be represented in such a nationally significant body, expressing confidence that Judge Bellones’ wisdom and experience will help enhance the country’s family court system and positively impact the lives of Filipino families./PN