The Supreme Court marked significant reforms under the third year of its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI), focusing on strengthening judicial independence, modernizing court operations, and improving access to justice nationwide.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said the Judiciary achieved “a lot” under the SPJI, citing the passage of the long-delayed Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, the creation of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals, and the modernization of court administration and infrastructure.

“The digitization efforts of the Court through the eCourt Justice System and the passage of the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act are among our significant achievements,” Gesmundo said, noting that 16 Justice Zones have been established nationwide, with three more in development with support from the European Union.

Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, who chairs the technical working group drafting the implementing rules of the Fiscal Autonomy Act, said the measure ensures the financial independence of the Judiciary by allowing it to prepare its own budget without passing through the Department of Budget and Management.

He said the Judiciary will no longer have to go through the Executive Department for its budget as it will directly submit it to Congress. The law, which took effect on 1 September, will be fully implemented starting with the 2027 budget cycle.

Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda said the newly created Office of the Judiciary Marshals is designed to protect judges, court personnel, and court facilities, emphasizing that the body operates independently from the Executive Branch.

He clarified that the Judiciary Marshals are not the private army of the Chief Justice, as they are primarily responsible for the safety of Judiciary members, personnel, and property.

The En Banc approved the marshals’ implementing rules in August 2024 and appointed retired Brig. Gen. Manuel Gaerlan as Chief Marshal. Zalameda added that the office will establish regional and satellite offices nationwide and open a Judiciary Marshals Academy for training and professional development.

Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando said the Supreme Court is prioritizing the rehabilitation of courts damaged by recent earthquakes and upgrading existing Halls of Justice to comply with safety and accessibility standards.

He said the Court is also exploring partnerships with the private sector to construct new Halls of Justice through public-private partnerships, starting with 71 priority sites targeted for development by 2027.

Associate Justice Raul Villanueva, former Court Administrator, discussed the modernization of the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), which now has 15 regional offices to decentralize administrative and financial functions.

“After one year and eight months, we are reaping the benefits from our regional court managers, whose offices now directly handle administrative and financial concerns of our judges and personnel,” Villanueva said.

He said the OCA will soon adopt a leaner organizational structure and a new staffing pattern as it marks its 50th anniversary in November 2025.

During the open forum, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen assured the public that the Judiciary remains impartial in addressing cases related to the ongoing flood-control corruption controversy. He said the Supreme Court will review new rules proposed by the Sandiganbayan to fast-track such cases.

“All SPJI reforms are designed to ensure more efficiency, innovation, and access in our courts,” Leonen said, adding that the Court has begun auditing Judiciary projects implemented with the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure transparency and accountability.