EJERCITO PUSHES PLAN TO REDUCE CASE BACKLOGS, SUPPORTS JUDICIARY BUDGET

Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Thursday assured the judiciary of Congress’ support for its proposed 2027 budget, particularly for digitalization efforts to speed up case resolution.

Ejercito, however, called for a clear plan showing how additional funding would reduce case backlogs and improve the justice system.

During the hearing, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg reported an 82.48 percent conviction rate this year and a decline in the court’s caseload from 1,229 cases in 2024 to 525 cases.

Econg also said the Sandiganbayan may issue its first ruling this year on a flood control-related case, with the Ombudsman having filed 26 cases over the alleged anomaly.

Ejercito stressed that adequate resources and judicial independence should go hand in hand to ensure faster and more accessible justice for Filipinos.

Source: PhilNews24 | September 11, 2026