The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday announced it is authorizing the designation of special courts in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to expedite the hearing of corruption-related cases linked to anomalies in government-funded flood control projects.

"The SC En Banc has directed the [Office of the Court Administrator] to monitor the filing of cases involving corruption in infrastructure projects before the Regional Trial Court," the Supreme Court said.

The SC briefer cited A.M. No. 25-10-24-SC, Re: Proposals for the Court En Banc in Relation to Anomalous Flood Control and Infrastructure Projects.

Under this directive, the SC En Banc instructed the OCA to monitor the filing of cases involving corruption in infrastructure projects before the RTCs. Once such cases are filed, the SC will designate special courts to exclusively hear and decide corruption-related cases arising from infrastructure projects.

In line with this initiative, the SC continues to implement reforms under the Supreme Court Performance and Judicial Integrity (SPJI) program, including the development of eCourt PH and other digitalization projects aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the judiciary.

“These reforms cover all court levels – the trial courts, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and the Supreme Court,” the SC said.

“Through the SPJI, the SC seeks to address the long-standing problems of delay and case backlog by institutionalizing efficient processes, adopting innovative solutions, and expanding access to justice for all,” the briefer added.

The full text of the resolution in A.M. No. 25-10-24-SC will be uploaded to the SC website once available.