The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. allocated a total of PHP67.9 billion in 2026 for the Judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice in the country and provide better services to the Filipino people.

“A total of PHP67.9 billion is allocated for the Judiciary and PHP43.6 billion for the Department of Justice (DOJ) as we work towards building a fair, efficient, accessible and improved justice system,” the President said in his budget message.

“We support President Bongbong Marcos’ objectives of strengthening our Judiciary system. And so, for next year, we will ensure to provide adequate and sustained funding for programs that aim to protect our citizens’ rights and allow the timely delivery of justice,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said as quoted in a news release on Wednesday.

Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, out of the total budget for the Judiciary, amounts are provided for their Adjudication Program: PHP32.4 billion will go to the Supreme Court and the Lower Courts; PHP1.6 billion for the Court of Appeals; PHP710 million for the Sandiganbayan; and PHP306 million for the Court of Tax Appeals.

The Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, the Supreme Court’s long-term reform program, will be supported with PHP5.2 billion.

To establish four additional justice zones in 2026, a total of PHP176 million will be provided for the Supreme Court, under its Justice Sector Convergence Program, to help in reducing case backlogs and enhancing synergy among agencies.

Funding for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of Halls of Justice nationwide has been increased to PHP2.7 billion, up by 273.3 percent from the PHP720 million allocation in 2025. This covers the first-year funding requirement for the construction of the Manila Hall of Justice. (PNA)