By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has vowed to oppose a proposed P551-million cut in the Sandiganbayan’s 2027 budget, saying the anti-graft court needs additional funding to deal with a growing number of high-profile cases involving lawmakers.
During recent Senate deliberations on the judiciary’s proposed 2027 budget, Gatchalian rejected the Department of Budget and Management’s recommendation to reduce the Sandiganbayan’s allocation.
“I don’t subscribe to the recommendation to reduce its budget by P551 million. We should actually add more budget to speed up the trials,” Gatchalian said.
The proposed cut comes as the Sandiganbayan faces an expanding caseload stemming from the flood control controversy.
Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg told the Senate that the number of cases before the anti-graft court has steadily increased since the Office of the Ombudsman filed its first complaint in November 2025.
Econg reported that 26 cases have already been filed against various senators and congressmen in connection with the alleged flood control anomaly.
The cases have added to the workload of the anti-graft court as it handles proceedings involving high-profile public officials.
Gatchalian said the Sandiganbayan should instead receive stronger financial support to help it process cases more efficiently.
His position directly challenges the proposed P551-million reduction in the court’s 2027 allocation as senators continue deliberations on the judiciary’s budget.
For Gatchalian, the priority is to provide the anti-graft court with the resources needed to move cases forward rather than reduce its funding as its workload continues to grow.
ia/xf
