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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Signs Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, Strengthening Courts' Independence
Photo credit: PCO
In a move underscoring his administration’s respect for the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12233, or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on August 14, 2025.
The new law reinforces the constitutional mandate that the Judiciary should enjoy fiscal autonomy—meaning its budget cannot be reduced from the previous year’s allocation and must be released automatically once approved.
“Our Constitution already mandates: the Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy… 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,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote address.
He explained that the measure ensures the courts can operate more independently and efficiently, securing the resources needed to deliver justice without unnecessary delays. Funds will be released monthly, with the Chief Justice authorized to reallocate resources where they are most needed—whether for personnel hiring, courtroom repairs, or upgrading systems—within the bounds of the law. The Supreme Court will also submit quarterly reports to both the Executive and Legislative branches detailing how these funds are spent.
The Act also establishes a Judiciary Trust Fund for court operations, drawing from all revenues collected by or for the Judiciary. In addition, it empowers the Supreme Court to reorganize administrative structures at both national and regional levels, speed up staff hiring, and decentralize operations to bring services closer to communities.
“As we build a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas, let us ensure that the rights of our people remain secure and that every Filipino lives with peace, with dignity, with pride,” the President concluded.
The new law reinforces the constitutional mandate that the Judiciary should enjoy fiscal autonomy—meaning its budget cannot be reduced from the previous year’s allocation and must be released automatically once approved.
“Our Constitution already mandates: the Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy… 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,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote address.
He explained that the measure ensures the courts can operate more independently and efficiently, securing the resources needed to deliver justice without unnecessary delays. Funds will be released monthly, with the Chief Justice authorized to reallocate resources where they are most needed—whether for personnel hiring, courtroom repairs, or upgrading systems—within the bounds of the law. The Supreme Court will also submit quarterly reports to both the Executive and Legislative branches detailing how these funds are spent.
The Act also establishes a Judiciary Trust Fund for court operations, drawing from all revenues collected by or for the Judiciary. In addition, it empowers the Supreme Court to reorganize administrative structures at both national and regional levels, speed up staff hiring, and decentralize operations to bring services closer to communities.
“As we build a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas, let us ensure that the rights of our people remain secure and that every Filipino lives with peace, with dignity, with pride,” the President concluded.
Aug 14, 2025
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