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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
Exdanatorv Note 
The judiciary of any country serves as the bastion of democracy. It is the premier 
institution that serves to administer justice and upholds the rule of law. For the purpose, 
the corps of the bench is held to the highest standards of public service and are at all 
times accountable to people and serve with utmost responsibility, loyalty, efficiency, 
patriotism and justice. The members of the judiciary should then lead modest lives, for 
they are accountable for but one duty: serving the ends ofjustice. 
It is of common knowledge that the remuneration accorded to the members of the 
judiciary is indecently low. In fact, in the most recent survey entitled Diagnostic Study 
ofthe Judiciary by the Social Weather Station (SWS) covering the period 2005 to 2006, 
sixty one percent (61 %) of the respondent judges call their compensation "inadequate." 
This is a sad fact considering that the same study showed that the majority of those 
surveyed feel their caseloads are heavy, with over thirty percent (30%) of judges being 
responsible for two or more courts. 
Republic Act No. 910 is the governing statute providing for the retirement of 
justices of the Supreme Court and the members of the Philippine judiciary. The law is 
supplemented by the Government Service Insurance System and other retirement 
programs observed in the bureaucracy. 
The legislation seeks to increase the benefits and incentives being received by 
members of the Philippine judiciary, in addition to the existing retirement program, by 
providing them the following: 
a. 
highest monthly aggregate of representation, transportation and living 
allowances at the time of his retirement or resignation; 
b. 
educational scholarship for a legitimate child or 
scholar officially 
nominated or designated by the Member of the Philippine Judiciary in any 
state university or college; 
livelihood assistance, as may be applicable, that may be sourced from in 
any government agency or government-owned and controlled-corporation. 
The bill covers the following : Chief Jnstice and all Associate Justices of the 
Supreme Court, 
the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax 
Appeals; all Judges of the Regional Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal 
Trial Court; Shari'ah District Court, Shari'ah Circuit Court. 
C. 


The legislation is a small deed when compared to the enormity of responsibility 
thrust upon them. It is submitted in honor of the respected and distinguished members of 
the Philippine judiciary, and thus, early recognition of this bill is earnestly sought. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
AN ACT 
FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE JUDICIARY, GRANTING 
ADDITIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO ITS MEMBERS, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted bv the House of Reuresentatives and the Senate in Conqem of the 
Philiuuines assembled: 
SECTION 1. In addition to the present benefits and emoluments under existing 
retirement program, a member of the Philippine judiciary shall receive the following 
additional benefits and incentives: 
d. 
highest monthly aggregate of representation, transportation and living 
allowances at the time of his retirement or resignation; 
e. 
educational scholarship for a legitimate child or 
scholar officially 
nominated or designated by the Member of the Philippine Judiciary in any 
state university or college; 
livelihood assistance, as may be applicable, in any government agency or 
government-owned and controlled-corporation: 
f. 
The Member of the Philippine Judiciary as contemplated under this Act shall 
include the Chief Justice and all Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, the Court of 
Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Tax Appeals; all Judges of the Regional 
Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court; Shari’ah District Court; 
Shari’ah Circuit Court, or any court hereafter established as allowed under existing laws. 
SECTION 2. 
The amount necessary to implement and carry out the provisions 
of this Act is hereby appropriated in the savings of all and combined agencies comprising 
the Philippine Judiciary. Thereafter, the sum needed shalI be integrated in the General 
Appropriations Act (GAA). 
SECTION3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15 ) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,