Sandiganbayan modernization, transparency initiative launched
The Sandiganbayan and the Australian embassy launched the Sandiganbayan Modernization and Transparency Initiative that will help improve its efficiency, competency and transparency in its hearings.
Under the Modernization and Transparency Initiative, the Sandiganbayan will receive a new computerized case management system, a legal information archive, and digital calendars.
The launch of the program on Tuesday coincided with the Sandiganbayan’s 40th anniversary.
Sandiganbayan’s Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang along with Australian embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mat Kimberley officiated the event.
The Australian-supported program includes a fiscal management and procurement law workshop, and the court calendar digitization among other elements.
“We are most grateful to Australia for its unwavering support in this endeavor,” Tang said.
“In line with the Supreme Court’s leadership in implementing reforms across the Judiciary, the Sandiganbayan Justices, officials, and employees are firmly committed to continuously strengthening our institution. It is thanks to partnerships such as these that our passion for reform is concretized and put into action,” she added.
“Australia has been a longstanding partner of the Philippine Government on its anti-corruption initiatives.This project aligns with a key pillar of the Australian aid program – the building of stronger institutions for transparent and accountable governance,” Kimberley said.
In 2017, the Sandiganbayan disposed a record 1,264 cases, its highest disposition rate in 22 years.
According to Tang, “these, along with the Supreme Court’s recent guidelines on Continuous Trial in Criminal Cases, will aid in the fair and expeditious adjudication of cases before the Sandiganbayan.”
Australia’s development investments in the Philippines for 2017-18 are worth around A$85 million (P3.4 billion) and support peace and stability, education reform, gender empowerment, increased trade and investment, and inclusive development.