Escudero explains how Congress can help address corruption in the Judiciary

The Supreme Court (SC) can ask Congress to pass laws to address allegations of corruption in the judiciary, Senator Francis Escudero said on Saturday, Feb. 18.

This can be done through the JELACC (Judicial Executive Legislative Advisory and Consultative Council (JELACC), Escudero said.

Another way is the interaction of judiciary officials with lawmakers during budget hearings, he added.

Escudero said the SC could also make additions or amendments to its rules of Court.

Congress cannot meddle in the internal affairs of another branch of government due to the separation of powers, he added.

‘’Sa katunayan may ilang kaso na ng Korte Suprema kung saan pinigilan nila ang Kongreso mag-imbestiga sa diumano anomalya sa hudikatura (There are some cases where the Supreme Court had stopped Congress from investigating alleged irregularities in the Judiciary),’’ he pointed out.

Escudero gave these observations and suggestions following a speech of Senior Associate Justice Marvin Leonen before lawyers in Davao City where he spoke out against corruption in the judiciary.

He said there are government agencies that have internal Ombudsman or internal services that investigate allegations of corruption.