SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero today welcomed a Supreme Court petition questioning the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Escudero, speaking to Senate media, stated that the petition should be viewed as a positive sign of a healthy democracy, rather than a cause for concern.
The petition, filed by Davao Representative Isidro Ungab and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, seeks to nullify the national budget, citing blank spaces in the bicameral conference report concerning allocations to the Department of Agriculture and other government agencies.
“We welcome any petition to question any law that Congress passes,” Escudero said in a press conference. “For me, it’s an opportunity for the Supreme Court, the third branch of government, to also participate in the budget process. This should not be feared; this should not be worried about. This is part of democracy and it proves that democracy in the country is strong and stable.”
Escudero’s statement reflects a confident stance on the legality of the budget, suggesting that the Senate is prepared to defend its work before the Supreme Court. The petition raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the budget process, specifically regarding the unexplained blank spaces in the official report. The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications for government spending and the implementation of key programs in 2025.
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