SC sets oral arguments on GAA cases in April

The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday said that it has set the oral arguments on consolidated petitions questioning provisions relating to unprogrammed funds and special accounts in the General Appropriation Acts (GAA) from 2024 to 2026.

In a statement, the court said that oral arguments are scheduled on April 8, Wednesday and April 22, Wednesday at the SC Session Hall in Baguio.

A preliminary conference will also be held on February 4.

According to the SC, one of the petitions were filed by former Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, Camarines Sur Representative Gabriel Bordado Jr., Basilan Representative Mujiv HAtaman, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Congressman Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.

They are seeking to declare as unconstitutional the bicameral insertion of P449.5 billion in the 2024 GAA, according to the SC.

Meanwhile, the second petition was filed by the Filipinos for Peace, Justice, and Progress Movement Inc., seeking to assail the amendments allegedly made to the Special Accounts in the General Fund and other appropriations in the 2025 GAA.

The third was filed by Caloocan 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice and Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila De Lima. They questioned the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 GAA. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News