Supreme Court Schedules Oral Arguments for National Budget Petitions
The Supreme Court en banc has officially set the dates for oral arguments concerning multiple petitions that challenge the national budgets spanning from 2024 to 2026. In a statement released by the Office of the Spokesperson of the Supreme Court, the hearings are scheduled to take place on April 8 and April 22, both commencing at 10:00 AM in the Session Hall of the Supreme Court located in Baguio City.
Preliminary Conference in Manila
Prior to the oral arguments, a preliminary conference will be conducted on February 4 at the SC Session Hall in Manila. This step aims to streamline the proceedings and address preliminary matters before the main hearings begin.
Petitioners and Their Concerns
The petitioners, comprising lawmakers, taxpayers, and concerned citizens, are seeking to nullify changes made by the Bicameral Conference Committee that they argue have inflated the national fund over three consecutive years. One notable petition was filed by former Congressman Edcel Lagman, Camarines Sur Representative Gabriel Bordado, Jr., Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman, former Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Congressman Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez. They are requesting the Court to declare as unconstitutional a bicameral insertion amounting to P449.5 billion under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
Additional Petitions and Legal Challenges
Another petition was submitted by the group Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement Inc., which questions amendments to Special Accounts in the General Fund and other appropriations under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Furthermore, the consolidated petitions include those filed by Caloocan Second District Representative Edgar Erice and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Representative Leila de Lima, challenging the legality of unprogrammed appropriations within the 2026 national budget.
These legal actions highlight ongoing debates over fiscal management and constitutional adherence in the Philippines, with the Supreme Court poised to play a critical role in resolving these contentious issues.
