MANILA—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to uphold the Supreme Court’s independence as he signed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act in Malacañan Palace.

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

The President said democracy functions by respecting the roles of each branch of government while ensuring no branch acts beyond what the Constitution allows.

Marcos said the new law puts safeguards in place for the judiciary to work more efficiently and independently, reinforcing the executive branch’s commitment to work alongside the judiciary as a co-equal branch.

Under the law, the judiciary’s proposed budget will go directly to Congress and be included in the national budget exactly as submitted. Funds will be released automatically every month.

The Chief Justice is authorized to augment any budget item and modify, through a Supreme Court resolution, the allotment of funds to areas most in need, such as hiring personnel, repairing courtrooms, or upgrading court systems.

The Supreme Court must submit quarterly reports to the executive and legislative branches on how funds are spent. A Judiciary Trust Fund will also be established so courts can use their collected funds to address urgent needs.

According to Marcos, these reforms will allow the Supreme Court to reorganize offices, hire staff more quickly, and decentralize operations to bring services closer to the public.

He thanked Congress for passing the law, saying it will be vital in building a “more progressive Bagong Pilipinas where the people’s rights remain secure and every Filipino lives with peace, dignity, and pride.”