Supreme Court declares 2024, 2025 budgets unconstitutional

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenternow

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that certain provisions in the 2024 and 2025 national budgets, along with key unprogrammed appropriations in the 2026 budget, are unconstitutional. This decision was based on the court's finding that Congress allocated more funds than the amount recommended by the president. The ruling, detailed in a 121-page decision authored by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, highlights concerns over the separation of powers and adherence to constitutional limits on budgetary authority.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a legal ruling from the Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of budgetary allocations. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The focus is on the judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions related to budgeting,

GMA News OnlineIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that the General Appropriations Acts (GAAs) for 2024 and 2025 are unconstitutional due to unauthorized increases in unprogrammed appropriations. The court specifically highlighted the P449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed funds for 2024 and the P17.99 billion added to the Special Road Fund in 2025 as violations of constitutional limits on budgetary powers. Additionally, the court struck down parts of the 2026 GAA related to unprogrammed appropriations but allowed them under specific conditions requiring clear limits and safeguards to ensure fiscal responsibility. These rulings were based on petitions filed by various individuals and groups, including former Senator Koko Pimentel and Representative Leila de Lima, who challenged the legality of the budget adjustments.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the constitutionality of budget laws without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on legal challenges and judicial decisions without using biased language or selectively emphasizing particular viewpoints.

RapplerIndependentCenter7 hr. ago

The Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that parts of the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Acts (GAA) are unconstitutional. Specifically, the court found fault with unauthorized increases in unprogrammed appropriations by Congress, including a P449.5 billion boost in the 2024 GAA and a P17.99 billion increase in the Special Road Fund within the 2025 GAA. These increases exceeded the amounts proposed by the President and violated existing legal restrictions. While the court recognized the principle of 'operative fact,' which allows certain aspects of the budgets to remain valid until their unconstitutionality is determined, it emphasized that this does not shield lawmakers from legal liability. The ruling was based on petitions from various individuals and groups, including former Senator Koko Pimentel and the Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the Supreme Court's decision regarding the constitutionality of specific portions of the national budget. It provides direct quotes from the court's ruling and outlines the legal reasoning behind the decision without apparent bias toward either the executive,