Further emphasizing the autonomous body of the Judiciary branch, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12233 or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act.
This new measure places safeguards in the Judiciary enabling it to work more efficiently and more independently.
In his remarks, Marcos said the Judiciary branch shall enjoy fiscal autonomy as mandated in the constitution. It shall also receive a budget that is not lower than the appropriated from the previous year released automatically upon approval from Congress.
“Under this law, the proposed budget of the Judiciary will go straight to Congress, and shall be included in the national budget exactly as submitted,” he said.
“Every month, funds will be released automatically,” he added.
In the new law, the Chief Justice is authorized to augment any item, and modify the allotment of funds through an en banc resolution, according to existing laws.
This means that the funds will go to where they are most needed whether it will be to hire more personnel, repairing courtrooms, advancing systems to remain updated with technology.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will report how public funds are spent to the Executive and Legislative branches quarterly.
“This is how we promote transparency and accountability. This is how we do checks and balances. This is how democracy works—by respecting the role each branch plays, while exercising our duty to ensure that no branch acts beyond what the Constitution allows,” he said.
The law also establishes a Judiciary Trust Fund where courts can tap their collected funds to address urgent needs.
“The Supreme Court can reorganize its offices, hire staff faster, and bring services closer to the people by decentralizing operations,” Marcos explained.
Marcos further elaborated that with the funds within the reach of the Supreme Court, the High Tribunal would be able to focus on pressing cases which will enable them to perform their duty well.
“When there is sufficient funding and clear policy to use it, the judiciary can perform their sworn duty well. Each case filed in the courts will be heard and decided without fear and doubt,” he said.
“In addition to this, the court will meet the people's grievances that come to them and help them uphold their rights. They will also be given the opportunity to achieve freedom, peace, and justice,” he added.
Enactment means commitment
With the enactment of the new measure, Marcos said the Executive branch shows its commitment to work alongside the Judiciary branch as a co-equal branch of the government.
“We recognize that each of us has a unique role, and yet we also have a shared responsibility, to uplift Filipino people,” he said. “Above all, let us always remember that even our smallest decisions can shape the lives of very many people and the future of the nation.”
“This Administration is committed to respecting the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court as it discharges its constitutional duty to interpret the highest law of the land,” he added.
Marcos then called on all the government to stay true to the Constitution and urged all to “champion integrity and fairness, and implement laws with prudence and foresight.”