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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace to respond to solons' petition in SC vs. P449.5-B unprogrammed funds

Palace to respond to solons' petition in SC vs. P449.5-B unprogrammed funds

Published Jan 16, 2024 10:36 am

Malacañang said it will respond appropriately, if required by the Supreme Court, after three members of the House of Representatives filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the P449.50 billion unprogrammed funds in the 2024 national budget.


"The Executive Department will answer accordingly if required by the Supreme Court," Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

The statement came after Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman filed a petition before the Supreme Court to formally challenge the constitutionality of the P449.50 billion unprogrammed funds in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Lagman, joined by Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman as petitioners, sought the nullification of the P449.5 billion worth of unprogrammed budget that was added to the P289.1 billion originally requested by the Executive department.

The petition cited the P289.10 billion ceiling for unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024 National Expenditure Program. Over and above this amount, the bicameral conference committee inserted P449.50 billion on top of the P289.10 billion ceiling, bringing the total unprogrammed funds to P 731.4 billion.

The solons cited the 1987 Constitution's provision which stated that Congress may not increase the appropriations recommended by the President for the government's operations as specified in the budget.

They stated in the petition “the president’s utter failure to veto the excess items aggravated the constitutional defect."

They added that “this constitutional challenge before the honorable Supreme Court is to cleanse the GAA of a fatal defect and give guidance to the Congress and the president in future budget considerations.”

The lawmakers are also seeking a temporary restraining order and thereafter a writ of prohibition that would stop the release of the additional unprogrammed funds.

Related Tags

Supreme Court (SC) Malacanang Edcel Lagman 2024 national budget President Marcos
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