Senate OKs P67.7-B judiciary budget

The Senate of the Philippines has approved the 2026 proposed budget of the Judiciary Department amounting to P67.7 billion, defended by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday.

“Through the judiciary's proposed budget, we anticipate strengthening collaboration and the timely and constructive response of our courts to the critical issues facing our country. But even with funding, the persistent challenges of our justice system are undeniable: a backlog of cases causing delays in justice, and a shortage of personnel in the courts,” Pangilinan said in Filipino.

Pangilinan said their goal is not only to ensure sufficient funds but also to ensure clear results and measurable impact in resolving cases as quickly as possible.

“Although good governance and accountability are the responsibility of the entire government, a significant portion of this burden falls on the judiciary,” he added.

According to Pangilinan, budget allocations are as follows: Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Lower Courts (SPLC), P58,100,703,000.00; the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), P166,802,000.00; the Sandiganbayan, P2,677,969,000.00; the Court of Appeals (CA), P5,726,091,000.00; and the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), P1,094,995,000.00 — for a total of P67,766,560,000.00.

Pangilinan said the Committee Report retained most items under the Judiciary’s 2026 National Expenditure Program and General Appropriations Bill, but strengthened the budget where it matters most.

“We made additional funding to the Office of the Judiciary Marshals. Under RA 11691, the Judiciary Marshals are essential to protecting judges, personnel and judicial assets. The additional P160 million allows a phased, accountable rollout, aligned with actual operational needs,” Pangilinan said during the deliberation.

He added that P39 million was also allotted to the Unified Legal Aid Service Office to expand legal aid access — including counseling, representation, and public legal education for marginalized communities — strengthening the Judiciary’s mandate, particularly toward poor Filipinos.

“This enables nationwide e-filing and e-service, digital warrants, subpoenas and orders, and secure integration with the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other agencies via the National Justice Information Sytem. Kung wala ito, mananatiling analog ang hustisya samantalang digital speed naman ang takbo ng krimen at korapsyon,” he said.

The senator also noted that funding was added for Filipino Sign Language services in the courts.

“This budget is not a luxury. These are meaningful investments to strengthen the justice system,” he said.