SC concludes oral arguments on unprogrammed funds in 2024-2026 budgets

The Supreme Court (SC) concluded on Tuesday, July 14 the oral arguments on unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 national budgets after six hearings.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo gave the parties and the amicus curiae 20 days to submit their memoranda.

Meanwhile, he directed the government to submit the remaining requested documents within a period of 15 days.

“Respondent government is reminded to submit remaining requested manifestation, documents, and certifications within a non-extendible period of 15 calendars from today,” he said.

Earlier, SC Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa asked representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives to submit a compliance under oath that they do not have the documents requested by the High Court regarding chages made in the 2024 budget.

The petitions were filed by the late Albay representative Edcel Lagman, former Camarines Sur representative Gabriel Bordado Jr., former Basilan representative Mujiv Hataman, former senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and former Davao del Norte representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.

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

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. — BM, GMA News