Marcos signs Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, vows stronger court independence

President Marcos on Thursday, Aug. 14, signed Republic Act No. 12233, or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, which he said will strengthen the independence, efficiency, and accountability of the country’s courts.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and REY PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) welcomed the signing of the new law, pointing out that this strengthens the constitutional guarantee under Article VIII, Section 3 of the Constitution, which states that the Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy.

In his ceremonial signing in Malacañan on Thursday, Aug. 14, Marcos said the measure puts safeguards in place so the Judiciary can work more efficiently and more independently.

It also ensures that the Judiciary can serve the public “without fear, without favor, and without anyone holding them by the purse strings.”

Under the new law, the Judiciary’s proposed budget will be submitted directly to Congress and included in the national budget exactly as endorsed by the Supreme Court. Funds will be released automatically every month, with the Chief Justice authorized-through an en banc resolution to reallocate resources where they are most needed.

President Marcos said the system allows the Judiciary to hire more personnel, repair courtrooms, and modernize systems without delays.

Under RA 12233, the SC will submit directly to Congress the judiciary's annual budget.

The law assures that the judiciary's budget cannot be reduced below the previous year's allocation.

It also guarantees monthly releases of the budget with authority from the Chief Justice- currently Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo-through a full court resolution.

The funds will be allocated where they are most needed.