Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) must ensure that the justice system remains accessible and responsive to the needs of vulnerable sectors, particularly farmers, fisherfolk, and children.
Pangilinan said funding for the DOJ should translate into concrete action to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos who often have limited resources to seek legal assistance and defend themselves against abuses and violations.
“Nilalamon ng agriculture smuggling, halimbawa, ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at patuloy na mataas ang presyo ng pagkain at patuloy ang gutom,” he said in the opening statement of the deliberations for the DOJ’s proposed budget on Thursday, September 24.
“Pero nasaan ang mga forfeiture ng mga nagwawasak ng ating agriculture economy. Nasaan ang mga convictions?,” he added.
Under the P43.3-billion proposed DOJ budget for 2027, the National Prosecution Service, Bureau of Corrections, and Public Attorney’s Office received increased allocations.
However, Pangilinan questioned the 23% cut to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) budget, including the nearly 90% decrease in its capital outlay, amid cybercrime scams, human trafficking, and financial crimes.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice, pointed out that of the 45 agriculture economic sabotage complaints referred to the DOJ as of May this year, 35 were returned for additional case build-up.
He also raised concerns about the P35.7 million cut in the proposed allocation for the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM, given that the government must strongly address the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
“Ang 2027 DOJ budget, dapat maging kongkretong commitment na punan ang mga bakanteng posisyon, bigyan ng sapat na kagamitan ang mga imbestigador, pagdugtong-dugtongin ang mga ahensya, bumuo ng mga matibay na kasong ilalatag sa korte, protektahan ang mga biktima, panagutin ang mga salarin,” he said.
Pangilinan urged the DOJ to strengthen its systems and processes to ensure the swift, fair, and effective delivery of justice.