OSG seeks hold on use of 2026 appropriations
The Philippine Solicitor General has advised the government to pause the implementation of certain 2026 budget programs following a Supreme Court ruling that declared parts of the national budget unconstitutional. Officials are seeking clarification on budgetary guardrails to ensure compliance while minimizing disruption to government projects.
Why it matters
This creates significant fiscal uncertainty for the Marcos administration and highlights a constitutional conflict over executive budgetary powers.
MANILA, Philippines - Government lawyers have advised the Marcos administration to put on hold the implementation of some programs in this year's national budget as they prepare to appeal a Supreme Court ruling declaring the 2024 and 2025 outlays and parts of the 2026 budget unconstitutional.
Solicitor General Darlene Marie Berberabe said the government wants to clarify some aspects of the high court ruling, specifically the guardrails prescribed for the exercise of budgetary powers, as these could affect the execution of projects.
She noted that the ruling bars the executive branch from touching Special Provisions 1-a and 1-b of Chapter XLII of the 2026 budget, which pertains to the release of unprogrammed appropriations.
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