MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan presented the proposed ₱67,766,560,000 budget of the Judiciary for 2026, emphasizing reforms aimed at strengthening the courts, improving access to justice, and modernizing legal processes.

Delivering his opening statement as vice chair of the Senate finance subcommittee handling the Judiciary’s budget, Pangilinan noted the “full circle” moment, recalling that he first defended the Judiciary’s budget in 2001.

“Narito po tayo ngayon upang iharap ang budget ng Judiciary, na may kabuuang halaga na ₱67,766,560,000,” he said, adding in jest that he had never seen such a large amount in his life.

He said the proposed spending plan is designed to reinforce the courts’ capacity to respond quickly and constructively to pressing national issues, even as backlogs and staffing shortages continue to challenge the justice system.

“Ang layunin natin ay siguraduhin na sapat ang pondong ibibigay pero tiyaking may malinaw na resulta at epekto sa pagresolba ng mga kaso sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.

Pangilinan reported that the committee maintained most of the items in the National Expenditure Program but strengthened funding where it was most needed.

Among the key increases is an additional ₱160 million for the Office of the Judiciary Marshals. “Under R.A. 11691, the Judiciary Marshals are essential to protecting judges, personnel, and judicial assets,” he said, noting that the augmentation would support a phased and accountable rollout.

The budget of the Unified Legal Aid Service Office (ULASO) was also raised by ₱39 million to expand legal assistance, including counseling, representation, and public legal education for marginalized communities. “Pinapalakas nito ang tungkulin ng Hudikatura… na siguruhin na may patas na access sa hustisya ang lahat – lalo na ang mga mahihirap,” he said.

Funding was likewise allotted for the Justice Sector Convergence Program to enable nationwide e-filing, digital warrants, and secure integration with agencies such as the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Pangilinan said these upgrades are crucial to prevent the justice system from “remaining analog in an age where crime and corruption move at digital speed.”

Resources were also allocated to support Filipino Sign Language training, accreditation, and interpretation services in courts to guarantee due process for individuals with communication disabilities.

“Hindi luho ang mga nasabing budget item. These are meaningful investments to strengthen the justice system,” he said.

Pangilinan also noted that public attention has been focused on the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the flood control scandal. Regardless of ongoing inquiries, he stressed that accountability will ultimately fall on the Judiciary.

“Whatever is heard in the Blue Ribbon Committee eventually will be brought before the Judiciary… where the sentencing… and hopefully the accountability will be achieved not in decades or many years but swiftly as mandated by the Constitution,” he said.

He concluded by saying he and his staff are ready to respond to senators’ questions on the Judiciary’s proposed budget.