Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11691)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11691 is the 'Judiciary Marshals Act.'
The policy is to ensure the safety and security of members of the Judiciary, judicial personnel, and court assets to allow the Judiciary to function independently and impartially, protecting it from violence, threats, and undue influence.
The Act creates the Office of the Judiciary Marshals under the control and supervision of the Supreme Court through the Office of the Court Administrator.
It is primarily responsible for the security, safety, and protection of members, officials, personnel, and property of the Judiciary, including the integrity of courts and their proceedings.
They include protecting justices, judges, court personnel and their families; conducting threat assessments and investigations; ensuring safe court proceedings; assisting in the execution of writs and protection of witnesses; managing seized assets; issuing subpoenas and arresting offenders; coordinating with law enforcement agencies; establishing a training academy; among others.
Yes, it has concurrent jurisdiction with other law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and offenses committed against justices, judges, court officials, court properties, and personnel.
The Office is headed by a Chief Marshal appointed by the Supreme Court en banc with a salary grade of 30.
Must be a natural-born Filipino, preferably a member of the Philippine Bar, must have held at least the rank of a full Colonel in the AFP or PNP or Assistant Director in the NBI, with experience in investigation, or have a proven track record and adequate experience in investigation and law enforcement.
Officials serve until the age of sixty-five unless incapacitated, dismissed for just cause by at least eight justices of the Supreme Court, or relieved earlier.
Benefits include training, scholarships, hazard pay, retirement benefits, and coverage of fees related to firearm permits.
They may possess suitable firearms for protection and the Chief Marshal can issue permits to carry licensed firearms outside residence to the officials and personnel.
Yes, it can request assistance and coordinate with agencies like the PNP, AFP, and NBI in the performance of its functions.
The invalidity of any provision does not affect the other provisions which shall remain in full force and effect as stated in the Separability Clause.
The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Yes, they can make arrests when a person is caught committing an offense, where there is probable cause based on personal knowledge, or if the person is an escaped prisoner as detailed by the law and consistent with the Constitution and existing rules.