SC: We’ve no discretion over judiciary funds | Inquirer News
JUSTICES’ PORK?

SC: We’ve no discretion over judiciary funds

By: - Reporter / @TarraINQ
/ 07:55 AM July 05, 2014

INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The judiciary does not exercise discretion in the use of its special funds, the Supreme Court said on Friday.

The statement came as an indirect response to reported moves in Congress to examine how the Supreme Court uses the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF), an allocation decreed by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos to augment personnel allowances, maintenance and acquisition funds of the judiciary.

Article continues after this advertisement

Some lawmakers have likened the JDF to pork barrel despite repeated assertions of the judiciary to the contrary.

FEATURED STORIES

The JDF has had its share of controversies, including failed moves to impeach former Chief Justice Hilario Davide in 2003 over alleged irregularities in releases of funds.

“There is no discretion on how to spend JDF funds—whether as to amount, percentage or purpose,” Supreme Court spokesperson Theodore Te said in a post on his personal Twitter account.

Article continues after this advertisement

Te’s statement was a reiteration of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s assertion in December last year that she was “not given any discretion on how the funds will be used.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Sereno said the funds existed “for the benefit of the members and personnel of the judiciary to help ensure and guarantee the independence of the judiciary as mandated by the Constitution and public policy, and required by the impartial administration of justice.”

Article continues after this advertisement

A news report published on Friday quoted Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano as saying that he would request the House committee on appropriations to examine the proposed judiciary budget and the JDF at the start of deliberations on the 2015 budget next month.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas was quoted in the same report as saying he would request a review of Presidential Decree No. 1949, which created the JDF.

Article continues after this advertisement

Their statements came two days after the Supreme Court struck down Malacañang’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), citing breach of Congress’ power of the purse and constitutional provisions on  separation of powers.

The Supreme Court entire budget accountability reports (BARs), have been uploaded on the highest tribunal’s website and regularly updated.

Malacañang hailed the move, initiated by then Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, as an “unprecedented disclosure” by the Supreme Court amid calls for transparency and accountability.

Carpio ordered the publication of the BARs amid criticism of the Supreme Court’s lack of financial transparency during the time of Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was ousted for dishonesty in his financial disclosures.

RELATED STORIES

Fiscal autonomy of the judiciary

Too many tactics, too little truth on Week 5

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Real winner on pork

TAGS: Congress, JDF, Judiciary, pork scam, Supreme Court, Theodore Te

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.