Lawmakers welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring several provisions of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 national budgets unconstitutional, including billions of pesos in appropriations.
The decision voided ₱449.5 billion in 2024 unprogrammed appropriations, a ₱17.99-billion addition to the 2025 Special Road Fund, and key provisions on 2026 standby funds.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the ruling comes as the Senate reviews the proposed 2027 national budget and examines questionable allocations.
Sen. Leila de Lima also praised the decision, saying it would help prevent the misuse of unprogrammed funds for personal and political interests.
The court ruled that Congress committed grave abuse of discretion by exceeding the constitutional limit on the total appropriations recommended by the executive.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 22, 2026
