Senate President Win Gatchalian wants more funds and manpower for the Sandiganbayan as the anti-graft court faces a growing number of cases.
Gatchalian made the call during a recent budget hearing on the proposed 2027 judiciary budget, after the Department of Budget and Management recommended cutting the Sandiganbayan’s budget by P551 million.
“We want to support the Sandiganbayan because they need to capacitate themselves, make themselves more efficient, and get more manpower to support the voluminous cases that are being filed in the anti-graft court,”he said.
Gatchalian said he did not agree with the proposed reduction, saying the court should instead be given additional resources to help speed up the disposition of cases.
“I don’t subscribe to the recommendation to reduce its budget by P551 million. Dapat nga dagdagan pa para masuportahan ang mabilis na paglilitis,” he said.
Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg earlier said the number of cases filed before the court has continued to rise since the Ombudsman filed the first case in November 2025.
Econg said 26 cases involving senators and congressmen in connection with the flood control controversy have already been filed before the Sandiganbayan.
Gatchalian said providing the court with sufficient resources would help it handle its growing caseload and address concerns over corruption cases in government.IMT
