Lawmakers hail Supreme Court ruling voiding billions in budget items
The Philippine Supreme Court has declared several provisions of the 2024-2026 national budgets unconstitutional, citing an abuse of discretion by Congress. Lawmakers are now navigating the implications of this ruling as they prepare to review the 2027 budget proposal.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a major precedent for legislative spending powers and public accountability in the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers have welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling declaring key provisions of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 General Appropriations Acts (GAA) unconstitutional, describing the decision as a decisive victory for public accountability.
The high court's 121-page decision, released to the press on October 20, invalidated congressional increases totaling P449.5 billion in 2024 unprogrammed appropriations, a P17.99-billion addition to the 2025 Special Road Fund, and key provisions governing 2026 standby funds.
The court ruled that Congress committed a grave abuse of discretion by exceeding the constitutional cap on the executive's total recommended appropriations.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson lauded the ruling's timing as the Senate prepares to review the House version of the 2027 General Appropriations Bill.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in