President Marcos Signs Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently approved a significant law enhancing the fiscal independence of the judicial branch. This new legislation, known as the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, grants the Supreme Court greater control over its budgetary affairs.
Under this act, the Supreme Court can now directly submit its original budget proposal to Congress. This submission is made as an attachment to the National Expenditure Program, which is prepared by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Meanwhile, the DBM may provide its comments and recommendations separately to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Key Provisions Strengthen Judicial Budget Control
The law authorizes the Chief Justice to reallocate funds within the Judiciary’s budget. Specifically, the Chief Justice can augment any budget item using savings from other appropriated Judiciary funds found in the General Appropriations Law. This flexibility aims to optimize resource use within the judicial system.
Additionally, the legislation establishes a Judiciary Trust Fund. This fund serves as a repository for all monies collected for or accruing to the Judiciary. The Chief Justice is tasked with managing and allocating resources from this trust fund, including approving expenditures in line with the law and its implementing rules.
Streamlined Staffing and Budget Processes
The new law also mandates the DBM to respond promptly to the Supreme Court’s requests regarding staffing. Specifically, the DBM must act within 120 days to issue the Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Compensation Action for newly created positions. This provision ensures timely staffing adjustments that support the Judiciary’s operational needs.
To fully enact the provisions of this act, the Supreme Court will draft the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). This process will be conducted in consultation with the DBM and the Commission on Audit, with a six-month deadline from the law’s effectivity.
Implications for Judicial Independence
Community members and legal experts alike have noted that the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act marks a crucial step in reinforcing the independence of the judicial branch. By allowing the Supreme Court to manage its budget and staffing needs more autonomously, the law aims to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold the rule of law.
Local leaders have also highlighted the importance of this measure in promoting transparency and accountability within the Judiciary. The establishment of the Judiciary Trust Fund, in particular, provides a structured approach to managing judicial finances.
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