Early passage of judges’ pay bill urged

A former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) governor for Central Luzon urged Congress yesterday to immediately ratify the bill which gives judges allowances equivalent to 100 percent of their monthly basic pay.

"We commend Senate President Franklin Drilon for his able leadership when he resolved the impasse over the measure rationalizing the salaries of justices, judges and court personnel. Drilon’s timely intervention will pave the way for the early ratification of the bill," lawyer Pete Principe said in a statement.

Principe said the judges’ pay increase will be definitely one of the effective reforms in the judiciary.

It will also prove that the government "is sincere in improving the welfare of our justices, judges and court personnel who play a very vital role in the administration of justice in our country," he said.

"We are also elated with the efforts and determination of Senators Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the committee on justice and human rights, Edgardo Angara and John Osmeña and all concerned lawmakers in their honest desire to institute real judicial reforms," he added.

Principe, chief legal counsel of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and Citizen’s Crime Watch, also prodded lawmakers to approve Osmeña’s bill prohibiting judges and justices from receiving allowances, convention expenses and other monetary compensation from local government officials.

"The bill would insure the independence of the judiciary. If enacted into law, it would enhance the reforms that we envision and realize our crusade for a truly and incorruptible judicial system," he said.

Principe, past president of the IBP-Bulacan chapter, said that if the two bills would be approved tomorrow, President Arroyo can sign it during the convention of the Philippines Judges Association slated this coming week.