Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel praised the ratification of the Judicial Marshal Service, an arm of the judiciary branch aimed at providing armed protection for judges.

House Bill (HB) 09086, principally authored by Pimentel, and its senate counterpart Senate Bill (SB) 01947, will see the implementation of the Judicial Marshal Service once signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Armed protection will reinforce the ability of our 2,766 justices and judges to freely perform their duties without fear of reprisal or retribution from disgruntled litigants and violent actors,” Pimentel said in a press statement on Sunday, Feb. 20.
Pimentel further explained that since 1999, around 34 judges have been killed.
“We must stress that a truly independent judiciary is absolutely imperative if we want to uphold the rule of law at all times, ensure public accountability, and safeguard our democratic way of life,” he added.
The Judicial Marshal Service will serve as “as an independent, professional, and organized security force under the direct control and supervision of the Supreme Court” to provide armed protection for judges, chief justices, court officials, and staff.