The Supreme Court will begin oral arguments tomorrow on petitions challenging the legality of unprogrammed appropriations and special accounts in the national budget. The hearings are set at the Session Hall in Padre Faura, Manila, starting at 9:30 a.m.
The consolidated petitions challenge provisions in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 General Appropriations Acts related to unprogrammed funds and special accounts in the General Fund. Petitioners include the late Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, former Sen. Koko Pimentel, former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, civic groups, and other lawmakers. They argue that Congress inserted or expanded budget allocations through bicameral conference committees beyond constitutional limits, including hundreds of billions of pesos in unprogrammed appropriations.
Separate petitions also question adjustments to special accounts, including those tied to infrastructure spending, and provisions in the 2026 budget allowing continued use of unprogrammed funds. The first hearing is tomorrow, April 7, with another on April 21.
In context, the Supreme Court has relocated its summer sessions from Baguio to Manila from April 6 to 30 due to rising fuel prices. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the move followed consultation with the full bench to remain mindful of national conditions while delivering justice. The oral arguments will proceed as scheduled.
