, 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
I 
First Regular Session 
I 
SENATE 
S.B. No. uf 
:(t 
‘04 
DEC 14 1’3 :25 
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan 
I’ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The vacancy in the Judiciary now soars at a high of 34 % in lower 
courts with few qualified applicants applying for a judgeship position in the 
Judiciary. One can readily point to the measly compensation of judges as 
the responsible culprit. The increase in the compensation of judges and 
justices by virtue of Republic Act No. 9279 notwithstanding, the Judiciary 
continues to lose qualified applicants to big law firms. While the salary of 
judges and justices was increased to a hundred percent (100%). the same 
falls short of what a lawyer of comparable competence and experience 
receives in a law office. 
Thus, despite the looming financial crisis, it is imperative to address the 
alarming condition of justices, especially judges of lower courts. While the 
budget of the government cannot provide for more increase in the 
compensation of justices and judges, other forms of assistance, which would 
not require much appropriation, can supplement the financial requirements 
of judges. If the State recognizes the rationale for providing educational 
benefits to children of Barangay officials under the Local Government Code, 
with equal reason should the State extend the same benefits to children of 
judges of the first and second level courts. 
The urgent call for judicial reform is deafening. With the vacancy in 
the Judiciary increasing considerably, owing not only to retirement and 
deafh, but also to lack of qualified applicants to the Judiciary, grant of 
educational benefits to the children of judges will immensely alleviate their 
financial predicament, and ultimately lead to judicial reform. Thus, the 
passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
(4 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
'04 
UEC 14 P3 2 5  
Introduced by Senator Francis N. Pangilinan 
AN ACT 
GRANTING EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO LEGITIMATE CHILDREN OF JUDGES OF 
THE FIRST AND SECOND LEVEL COURTS IN STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Educational 
Assistance to Children of Judges in fhe First and Second Level Courts." 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy of the 
State to adopt measures to ensure an independent, responsive and efficient 
judicial system worthy of public trust and confidence. Pursuant thereto, there 
is a paramount need to have a competent Judiciary manned by qualified 
members. Towards this end, this Act aims to upgrade the compensation 
benefits of judges in the Judiciary by assisting them in a basic need in order 
to attract the best and the brightest in the Judiciary. 
Section 3. Educational Benefits to Children of Judges. A maximum of 
two (2) legitimate children, as defined in the Civil Code of the Philippines, of 
judges of Regional Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts 
in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Shari'a District Courts, Shari'a Circuit Courts 
and such other courts as may thereafter be created, shall be exempted from 
paying tuition and matriculation fees attending State Colleges or Universities, 
during the incumbency of said judges. 
Section 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws and decrees inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Section 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is considered 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the 
other provisions not affected thereby. 
Section 6. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect immediately 
upon its publication in newspaper of general circulations. 
Approved,