House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice announced plans to challenge the constitutionality of the 2026 General Appropriations Act before the Supreme Court, citing the inclusion of unprogrammed funds.
Erice and fellow minority lawmakers argue that such funds lack legal funding sources, perpetuating unconstitutional and opaque budgeting practices.
Party-list representatives Renee Louise Co, Sarah Jane Elago, and Antonio Tinio also criticized the budget for sustaining pork barrel allocations and systemic corruption, despite President Marcos’ veto of P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.
They noted that discretionary “allocables” in agencies like the DPWH remain untouched, continuing a cycle of kickbacks, overpricing, and ghost projects.
The lawmakers called for genuine budgetary reform to prevent corruption and ensure transparency in government spending.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 6, 2026
