UMVA has learned that a pressing constitutional challenge facing the nation's budgetary framework has prompted a call for swift action from a prominent government figure.
Former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon has urged the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling on petitions questioning the constitutionality of unprogrammed funds in the 2024-2026 national budgets.
This intervention comes as Congress prepares for the 2027 General Appropriations Act, with Drilon emphasizing the need for clarity on the constitutional parameters governing unprogrammed appropriations.
During the continuation of oral arguments on the consolidated cases, Drilon, appearing as a friend of the court, asked the Supreme Court to issue a ruling before deliberations on the next national budget begin.
“Given the context of our political situation today, I am making this manifestation to urge the honorable court, subject to your better judgment, to decide this case as early as possible, because the budget will be submitted to Congress 30 days from the State of the Nation Address,” Drilon told the Court.
Drilon stressed that a prompt ruling would provide guidance not only to the government but also to the public in general, helping to clarify the constitutional boundaries of unprogrammed appropriations.
The cases in question seek to determine whether provisions governing unprogrammed appropriations and special accounts in recent national budgets comply with constitutional requirements on appropriations and public spending.
Several high-profile figures, including former Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” B. Abad, former Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, and former Albay Rep. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda, have appeared as amici curiae, or friends of the court, in the proceedings.
The Supreme Court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the nation's budgetary framework and could significantly influence the development of the 2027 national budget.
