Gatchalian vows to block Sandigan budget cut

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian at the Senate in Pasay City on July 29, 2026.

Ryan Baldemor / The Philippine STAR

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has vowed to block a proposed P551-million budget cut for the Sandiganbayan, arguing that the anti-graft court needs more funding to handle a surge of high-profile cases involving lawmakers.

During the recent Senate deliberations on the judiciary’s proposed 2027 budget, Gatchalian firmly rejected the Department of Budget and Management’s recommendation to slash the tribunal’s funding.

“I don’t subscribe to the recommendation to reduce its budget by P551 million. We should actually add more budget to speed up the trials,” he emphasized.

The push for greater financial support comes as the Sandiganbayan faces a mounting caseload. Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg reported to the chamber that the number of cases has steadily increased since the Office of the Ombudsman filed its first complaint in November 2025.

Econg revealed that 26 cases have already been filed before the anti-graft court against various senators and congressmen in connection with the widespread flood control anomaly.