Almost ₡30 billion frozen: the Judiciary warns what could happen if the funds are not released

The Judiciary issued a warning about the impact that freezing almost ₡30 billion of its 2027 budget could have, saying the conditions set to release those funds could delay their availability and affect the operation of several areas.

According to the institution, of the ₡530,973.2 million assigned in the National Budget bill for next year, ₡29,843.8 million were made subject to a series of requirements and authorizations.

The Judiciary mainly questions that the mechanism defined by the Ministry of Finance sets no specific deadline for releasing the funds. The conditions include audited financial statements, certifications from the Comptroller General, review by a legislative committee and approval by the full Assembly.

The institution warns that, even after meeting those requirements, the legislative process could take as long as an extraordinary budget, which can reach 93 calendar days, not counting the preliminary stages.

Ana Romero Jenkins, executive director of the Judiciary, said the situation makes it hard to plan hiring and obligations that must be met from the start of the year.

“Institutional responsibility has to be understood from a contractual standpoint. We have to guarantee payment, throughout the year, of the contracts in force; we cannot take on commitments without certainty about the funds,” she explained.

According to the Judiciary, a late release of the money could force it to reschedule purchases, contracts and projects, and even make it difficult to use the funds within the budget period for which they were approved.

Among the areas that could be affected is the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), particularly the purchase and maintenance of police, scientific, medical, technological, laboratory and communications equipment.

The institution also warns of possible limits on maintaining cybersecurity systems, updating technological infrastructure and developing the digital tools needed to deliver judicial services.

Vacant positions are another concern. According to the Judiciary, the procedure could delay replacing officials who retire or die, including judges, which could eventually affect the continuity of proceedings.

National connectivity could also be compromised because of the fiber-optic link contracts that connect offices, courthouses, data centers and judicial systems across the country.

The institution also notes that the budget restriction could force a review of the continuity of some courts and offices in outlying areas, with a possible impact on citizens’ in-person access to justice services.

During a session of the full Supreme Court, representatives from different areas insisted that the Judiciary does not oppose oversight or controls on the use of public funds.

The institution recalled that it has historically submitted to audits and controls by the Comptroller General and remains willing to hand over the information needed about how the funds are managed.

The difference, according to the position laid out by the Judiciary, lies in the mechanism used to oversee the funds, since it believes the controls should not prevent the resources from being spent on time during the corresponding year.

Faced with this scenario, the full Court agreed to instruct the Judiciary’s presidency to take the necessary steps before the Executive and Legislative branches to defend the institutional budget.

The institution also clarified two points about funds that have stirred public debate. The trust for judicial infrastructure, it said, amounts to $82 million, not $660 million or $700 million.

It also noted that judicial deposits do not belong to the Judiciary. They are funds of users tied to court proceedings, such as seizures, withholdings and child support, which are administered and later paid out according to the corresponding court orders.

With its warning about the ₡29,843.8 million, the Judiciary wants the budget debate to weigh the possible consequences of a late release of those funds for criminal investigation, technology, public service and the continuity of services during 2027.