The judiciary is poised for a significant funding boost next year, with its proposed 2027 budget rising 22.2 percent to P86.27 billion as the government moves to strengthen court operations, modernize the justice system and improve access to judicial services.
The proposed allocation is P15.7 billion higher than the P70.6 billion appropriated to the judiciary under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), putting it among the 10 government departments and sectors with the largest proposed allocations in the P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP).
The Supreme Court’s original budget proposal was also incorporated into the 2027 spending plan, in line with the judiciary’s constitutional independence and fiscal autonomy.
Of the total allocation, P45.9 billion is earmarked for adjudication and court operations, up 29.48 percent or P10.45 billion from this year’s funding.
The amount will cover the personnel and operational requirements of the Supreme Court, lower courts, Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Sandiganbayan, Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals.
The proposed budget also sets aside P4.73 billion for the judiciary’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027, which focuses on modernizing court systems, improving operations and expanding information and communications technology infrastructure.
Another P200 million is allocated for the construction of Halls of Justice in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City under the Justice System Infrastructure Program, which addresses gaps in court facilities nationwide.
Budget and Management Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the inclusion of the Supreme Court’s original proposal reflects the government’s recognition of the judiciary’s fiscal autonomy and constitutional mandate.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. likewise said investments in the justice sector are intended to strengthen government institutions and support the rule of law.
The Judiciary forms part of the General Public Services sector, which has a proposed allocation of P1.467 trillion for 2027.
(PHOTO CREDIT: DBM Facebook page)