Solons confident SC will uphold 2025 budget amid ‘blank spaces’ claims

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

Regarding the complaint of the petitioners that they could not obtain a copy of the bill from the House, Bongalon said they have to formally request it. (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Leaders of the House of Representatives on Friday assured full compliance with the Supreme Court’s (SC) request for a copy of the enrolled bill on the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and the current year’s budget, expressing confidence that no irregularities will be found.

The SC made the request ahead of the preliminary conference on the case on Feb. 28, with oral arguments set for April 1 in Baguio City.

In a news release, House Assistant Majority Leaders Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list and Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Party-list expressed confidence that the high court would not find any irregularities, contrary to the claim of those who questioned the budget enactment process.

“I stand by the regularity of the 2025 GAA (General Appropriations Act). It is above board. In fact, we welcome this initiative on the part of the Supreme Court to really require the copy of the enrolled bill,” Acidre said.

Bongalon echoed his confidence, stating that the SC’s review would disprove allegations that the budget was akin to a “blank check.”

Regarding the complaint of the petitioners that they could not obtain a copy of the bill from the House, Bongalon said they have to formally request it.

The petitioners challenging the budget’s validity are allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte, including Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, House leaders denounced Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez’s call to suspend Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House officials over the alleged falsification of public documents, calling it an attempt to distract from the ongoing impeachment case against the Vice President.

“This is simply an effort to deflect attention from the impeachment process,” Acidre said.