The Supreme Court (SC) has issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that will implement the Judicial Commissioners Act which ensures the safety, security and protection of members, officials, staff and property of all courts in the country.

Under Republic Act No. 11691 enacted in 2022, the Office of Judicial Commissioners (OJM) will also ensure security and protection of the integrity of proceedings in all courts.

The OJM operates under the direct control and supervision of the SC and is empowered to investigate threats, make lawful arrests and seizures, and assist in the execution of subpoenas and legal proceedings.

Additionally, the OJM is empowered to investigate crimes committed against members of the judiciary, as well as allegations of corruption within the justice system.

It can issue subpoenas, request search warrants, administer oaths and access public records of other government agencies while adhering to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act, the Office of Public Information said. SC (SC-PIO) in its brief.

He indicated that the TRI would come into force 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.

“The operationalization of the Office of Judicial Commissioners is a key element of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, particularly within the framework of the target result of efficiency,” the text also indicates.

Judicial commissioners will be deployed to secure court premises, including court halls, courthouses and official judicial events such as conferences, seminars and meetings, he added.

The OJM will be headed by a chief marshal who will be assisted by three deputy marshals for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It will be composed of four offices: Security and Forensic Operations Division, Investigations and Intelligence Division, Legal Division and Digital Forensics Service.

The SC-PIO said the Office of the Judicial Administrator (OCA) will provide additional supervisory support to the OJM to ensure coordination and compliance with SC directives.

When RA 11691 was signed into law in 2022, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said the law “will be of great assistance not only to the Supreme Court but also to the entire judiciary in ensuring effective delivery and efficiency of justice.

“Indeed, the creation of RA 11691 will not only secure, protect and safeguard the judiciary, but also strengthen the morale of its members, officials and staff in this period when there is concern about threats against judges and assassinations of lawyers. “Gesmundo said.

“’Threatening our judges and lawyers is nothing short of an attack on the judiciary. Attacking the judiciary is to undermine the very foundation of the rule of law,” he stressed.