Section 4October 28, 1997, Sec./Art. 4

Qualification and Training of Family Court Judges. - Sec. 15 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:

"Sec. 15. (a) Qualification. - No person shall be appointed Regional Trial Judge or Presiding Judge of the Family Court unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, and, for at least ten (10) years, has been engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines or has held a public office in the Philippines requiring admission to the practice of law as indispensable requisite.

"(b) Training of Family Court Judges. - The Presiding Judge, as well as the court personnel of the Family Courts, shall undergo training and must have the experience and demonstrated ability in dealing with child and family cases.

"The Supreme Court shall provide a continuing education program on child and family laws, procedure and other related disciplines to judges and personnel of such courts."