The 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County ended its May 2026 Term with 234 cases still pending.
The court had disposed of only 14 matters from a total docket of 248 criminal, and civil cases.
Presiding Judge Joe S. Barkon, in a report he presented, said, the court had 89 criminal, and 159 civil cases before it during the term.
Out of the numbers, only 10 criminal cases were adjudicated, and disposed of on their merits, while four civil cases were settled through peaceful means.
The civil matters included a probate case, and a petition for the cancellation of Letters of Administration.
Judge Barkon presented the report in response to a directive issued by Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay on April 14, 2026, requiring presiding judges to report on judicial activities during the May Term.
The court’s Probate Division generated US$1,775 during the term, with the funds deposited into the judiciary’s account. The money came from fees associated with Letters of Administration, court decrees of sale, articles of incorporation, title deeds and divorce proceedings.
Judge Barkon also highlighted the challenges facing the judiciary, particularly the difficulty of ensuring timely access to justice.
He reminded members of the Bong County Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and other stakeholders that courts are mandated to administer justice within their jurisdictions, and according to law.
The May Term figures underscore the workload confronting the 9th Judicial Circuit as the court continues efforts to process pending cases, and improve access to justice.
