Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 27) – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law creating the Office of the Judiciary Marshals mandated to protect the country’s court system.
“The Office of the Judiciary Marshals shall be primarily responsible for the security, safety, and protection of the members, officials, personnel, and property of the Judiciary, including the integrity of the courts and its proceedings,” stated Republic Act 11691, which had been signed by Duterte on Apr. 8 but was only released Wednesday.
The office also has concurrent jurisdiction with other law enforcement agencies in investigating crimes and other offenses against justices, judges, court officials and personnel, halls of justice, courthouses, and other court properties.
The new body will be headed by a Chief Marshal assisted by three Deputy Marshals assigned and stationed in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
RA 11691 also appropriates an initial ₱50 million for the salaries, wages, and other expenses of personnel, along with the purchase of necessary supplies, materials, and equipment. Such sums as necessary for its continued implementation will be included in the annual spending program, it added.
The recently signed law consolidates House Bill 9086 and Senate Bill 1947, which were passed on Jan. 31 and Jan. 25, respectively.
READ: President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating the Office of Judiciary Marshalls, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar says in a media briefing. (2/2) https://t.co/Ni4v3zQWgA pic.twitter.com/MKxWUGtvKU
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 27, 2022
