Judiciary Marshals Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11691 (Judiciary Marshals Act)

Declaration of Policy (Section 2)
- Ensure safety and security of the Judiciary to function independently and impartially
- Establish an independent, professional security force under the Supreme Court

Creation of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals (Section 3)
- Created under the control and supervision of the Supreme Court
- Responsible for security, safety, and protection of the Judiciary

Powers, Functions, and Responsibilities (Section 4)
- Protect justices, judges, court officials, personnel, and properties
- Conduct threat assessments and investigations of crimes against the Judiciary
- Ensure security during court proceedings and judicial events
- Investigate allegations of irregularities by court personnel
- Assist in execution of writs, processes, and orders
- Assist in witness protection and transportation of accused
- Assist in asset management and disposal as ordered by courts
- Issue subpoenas, apply for search warrants, and file complaints
- Take sworn statements and administer oaths for investigations
- Make arrests, conduct searches and seizures related to their functions
- Access public and private records for investigations
- Possess and carry firearms for protection
- Request assistance from and coordinate with law enforcement agencies
- Establish a Judiciary Marshals Academy for training and development

Jurisdiction (Section 5)
- Concurrent jurisdiction with other law enforcement agencies for investigations

Officials and Assignments (Section 6)
- Headed by a Chief Marshal
- Assisted by three Deputy Marshals assigned to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

Qualifications and Appointment (Sections 7 and 8)
- Chief Marshal: Appointed by Supreme Court en banc, Salary Grade 30
- Natural-born Filipino, preferably a lawyer
- Held rank of at least full Colonel in AFP/PNP or Assistant Director in NBI
- Deputy Marshals: Appointed by Supreme Court en banc, Salary Grade 29
- Natural-born Filipinos
- Held rank of at least full Colonel in AFP/PNP or Assistant Regional Director in NBI

Personnel Qualifications, Composition, and Size (Section 9)
- Determined by the Supreme Court
- Positions, titles, and salaries follow Salary Standardization Law of 2019
- Classified service, governed by Civil Service Law
- Organizational structure and staffing pattern subject to DBM approval

Tenure and Retirement (Section 10)
- Serve until age 65, unless incapacitated, dismissed, or relieved by Supreme Court

Training and Education (Section 11)
- Continuous training and education to maintain and improve skills

Administrative and Disciplinary Action (Section 12)
- Governed by existing rules and procedures for Supreme Court personnel

Benefits and Privileges (Section 13)
- Trainings, scholarships, and seminars
- Hazard pay
- Retirement benefits
- Costs for firearms permits covered by the Office

Appropriations (Section 14)
- Initial appropriation of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00)
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 15)
- Supreme Court to promulgate rules within 60 days of effectivity

Separability Clause (Section 16)
- Provisions not affected remain in full force and effect

Repealing Clause (Section 17)
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations amended or repealed

Effectivity (Section 18)
- Effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper