DoJ: P6.1-B budget needed for prosecutors, court houses By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/15/2010

DoJ: P6.1-B budget needed for prosecutors, court houses

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/15/2010 Justice department (DoJ) officials are recommending the approval of a P 6.1 billion increase in the 2011 budget of the department to bankroll 34 programs and projects, including the hiring of more prosecutors, the construction of new court houses, and expanding the government’s witness protection program. Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said, “The DoJ needs the go-ahead from the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) for this 2011 budget plan because the P6.1-billion hike is P3.7 billion  or 151 percent higher than the adjustment ceiling of P2.4 billion set by the budget department in the proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for next year. Of the proposed increase of P6.1 billion, P4.536 billion is earmarked for the continued implementation of 10 programs, or P2.301 billion more than the DBM-fixed 2011 budget ceiling of P2.235 billion. The DoJ is also seeking an increased outlay of P1.312 billion for 24 existing and new projects, or P1.260 billion higher than the ceiling of P52 million for next year. Agra said that more than half the planned budget increase for the OSEC—P3.826 billion—is earmarked for the prosecution services, particularly for salaries and other compensation for vacant positions filled up in 2008 and 2009, creation of positions for 100 new prosecutors as well as positions for additional 733 support staff to augment the inadequate manpower at various city and provincial prosecution offices.... MORE     Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100615hed6.html

HEADLINES Upper classmen gloat: PMA Class ’78 regime over Ally frowns on Aquino political compromise Same old problems hound school opening Palace willing to face queries on GMA achievement record Noynoy ally asks GMA critics to go slow on probe DoJ: P6.1-B budget needed for prosecutors, court houses