JBC interview: Ex-UP law dean to push for court workers’ welfare

The members of the Judicial and Bar Council.

MANILA, Philippines—Former University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Raul Pangalangan said the Judiciary Development Fund can be managed more properly.

In his interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Pangalangan said “the fund is beyond reach of other branches of government. I feel that there’s a sense fund can be managed more properly.”

Created through Presidential Decree No. 1949, the JDF was established “to augment the allowances of the members and personnel of the judiciary and to finance the acquisition, maintenance and repair of office equipment and facilities.”

At least 80 percent of the fund shall be used for cost of living allowances, and not more than 20 percent of the fund shall be used for office equipment and facilities of the courts.

Pangalangan said the funds should be managed “in such a way that there can be more benefits for court employees.”

A JBC member said among the worries of court employees if how the next Chief Justice would manage the courts in such a way that their lives will be improved.

Pangalangan said he will use his experience as administrator of the University of the Philippines.

“As administrator in UP, I always push for improving the quality of life of employees,” he said.

Pangalangan is the third chief justice candidate to be interviewed on day two of the JBC interview.