DOJ secures Senate nod on P42.25B budget for FY 2025
DETERMINED and focused to acquire the necessary funds for the operations of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in ensuring that the rule of law is at all times upheld with utmost efficiency and integrity, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla and fellow officials asked the Senate to approve the DOJ’s proposed P42.25-billion budget for fiscal year 2025.
As sponsor for the proposed budget of the DOJ and its attached agencies, Sen. Grace Poe was closely scrutinized by fellow legislators Raffy Tulfo, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla and Koko Pimentel.
In defending, Sen. Poe emphasized the significant achievements and ongoing programs of the DOJ, underlining its pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law, strengthening justice institutions and ensuring accountability.
DOJ’s key reforms highlighted during the budget interpellation were the significant increase in conviction rates, streamlined case management through digital transformation initiatives, faster resolution of cases, expanded access to free legal services for vulnerable groups, intensified anti-human trafficking efforts and many more.
It is also important to mention the areas in need of immediate action once the budget is approved such as the improvement of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) biometric identification system, purchase of body-worn cameras for immigration personnel, decongestion of prisons and other concerns.
Overall, senators were impressed with the DOJ’s long list of achievements since the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. under the leadership of Secretary Remulla.
“I would like to congratulate the DOJ family led by Sec. Remulla for the innovations and reforms that they have been instituting in the DOJ,” Sen. JV Ejercito said.
“As the father of the Justice Department, I extend my warmest appreciation to our legislators who continue to believe in our capacity in upholding the rule of law. This, we promise, that our budget, up to the last centavo, will be used for the benefit of every Filipino in pursuit of justice,” Secretary Remulla stressed.
