Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. leads the formal reopening of the renovated Zambales Hall of Justice in Barangay Palanginan, Iba, Zambales, on October 5, 2026.
Photo by: Zambales Provincial Police Office
IBA, Zambales — The newly renovated Zambales Hall of Justice formally opened on October 5, 2026, with the facility expected to provide a safer and more secure environment for judges, court personnel, lawyers, litigants and other members of the public accessing judicial services in the province.
The opening was highlighted by the ceremonial blessing of the renovated Hall of Justice in Barangay Palanginan, Iba, attended by provincial, judicial, law enforcement and public works officials.
The blessing was officiated by Rev. Fr. Gerald Mariano Pascual, parish priest of San Agustin Cathedral Parish.
Photo by: Zambales Provincial Police Office
The event was graced by Zambales Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz, and members of the judiciary led by Hon. Santiago Beltran Jr., Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 69.
Also present were judges from the Municipal Circuit Trial Courts of Iba and Sta. Cruz, Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Mas of the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Atty. Lalaine Chao-Ayan, head of the Zambales Public Attorney’s Office, court personnel from RTC Branches 13, 69, 70 and 71, and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Zambales.
The Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) also participated in the activity, represented by PLTCOL Cris Cordero Jr., Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, under the supervision of PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola, Provincial Director.
Joining Cordero were PLTCOL Joel Usman, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations, members of the Provincial Quad Staff and the Chief of Police of the Iba Municipal Police Station.
The renovation of the Hall of Justice is intended to improve the facility and strengthen safety and security measures for those who work in and visit the courthouse.
With courts, prosecutors, public attorneys and other justice-sector offices operating within the facility, the renovated Hall of Justice is expected to support the delivery of judicial and legal services to residents of Zambales.
The reopening also brings together key institutions involved in the province’s justice system, underscoring the need for coordination among the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecution, public defense and public works agencies in maintaining accessible and secure justice facilities.