Marcos vows to uphold Supreme Court autonomy, authority

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Aug. 14, reaffirmed his commitment to “respecting the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court” in carrying out its constitutional mandate, which is essential to strengthening the democratic system.

“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,” Marcos said during the ceremonial signing of the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act in Malacañan Palace.

“This commitment thus calls on us to stay true to our Constitution, to champion integrity and fairness, and implement laws with prudence and foresight,” he added.

The new law ensures that the judiciary’s proposed budget will go directly to Congress and be included in the national budget exactly as submitted, with funds released automatically each month. It also authorizes the chief justice to reallocate funds where most needed, such as for hiring personnel, repairing courtrooms, or improving court systems.

For transparency and accountability, the Supreme Court must report quarterly to the executive and legislative branches on how its funds were spent. A Judiciary Trust Fund will also be established that would allow courts to tap their own collections for urgent needs.

Marcos said the reforms will enable the judiciary to reorganize offices, hire staff more quickly, and bring services closer to the public through decentralization. Marcos added that well-funded and efficient courts can decide cases “without fear or hesitation.”

The signing came just weeks after the Supreme Court declared the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, a ruling that prompted the Senate to archive the Articles of Impeachment.