President Marcos on Thursday, Aug. 14, signed Republic Act No. 12233, or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, which he said will strengthen the independence, efficiency, and accountability of the country’s courts.

In his ceremonial signing in Malacañan on Thursday, Aug. 14, Marcos said the measure puts safeguards in place so the Judiciary can work more efficiently and more independently.

It also ensures that the Judiciary can serve the public “without fear, without favor, and without anyone holding them by the purse strings.”

Under the new law, the Judiciary’s proposed budget will be submitted directly to Congress and included in the national budget exactly as endorsed by the Supreme Court. Funds will be released automatically every month, with the Chief Justice authorized—through an en banc resolution—to reallocate resources where they are most needed.

President Marcos said the system allows the Judiciary to hire more personnel, repair courtrooms, and modernize systems without delays.

The Supreme Court will also be required to report quarterly to both the Executive and Legislative branches on how funds are spent.

“This is how we promote transparency and accountability. This is how we do checks and balances,” he said.

The law also creates a Judiciary Trust Fund, allowing courts to use their own collected funds for urgent needs.

It likewise empowers the Supreme Court to reorganize its offices, speed up hiring, and decentralize operations to bring services closer to the people.

The President stressed that with adequate funding and clear spending rules, courts can hear and decide cases ”without fear and without doubt.”

“Kaakibat nito, matutugunan ng hukuman ang hinaing ng taumbayan na dumudulog sa kanila at matutulungan silang isulong ang kanilang mga karapatan (Along with this, the courts will be able to address the grievances of the people who turn to them and help them advance their rights),” he said.

“Mabibigyan din sila ng pagkakataong makamtan ang kalayaan, kapayapaan, at hustisya (They will also be given the opportunity to attain freedom, peace, and justice),” he added.

In his speech, Marcos called the law a reaffirmation of the Executive’s commitment to work with the Judiciary as a coequal branch of government while respecting its autonomy and constitutional authority.

“This commitment calls on us to stay true to our Constitution, to champion integrity and fairness, and implement laws with prudence and foresight,” he said, thanking Congress for passing the measure.

“As we build a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas, let us ensure that the rights of our people remain secure and that every Filipino lives with peace, with dignity, with pride,” he added.