SC upholds unprogrammed funds but bars Congress from increasing president’s budget
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled that unprogrammed appropriations are constitutional under specific safeguards, but prohibited Congress from increasing the president's total proposed budget. The court also applied the doctrine of operative fact to protect existing, irreversible projects.
Why it matters
This ruling clarifies the separation of powers regarding fiscal authority and budget management in the Philippines.
MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations under strict conditions but barred Congress from increasing the president's proposed budget, saying such increases violate the Constitution.In a 13-2 ruling in Lagman v Congress, the high court said unprogrammed appropriations were not unconstitutional per se, provided their release complies with safeguards designed to prevent the government from circumventing constitutional limits on public spending.The Court stressed that Congress could not increase the total…
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