Manila, Philippines – Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila De Lima and Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice appear before the Supreme Court to file a petition questioning the legality of the Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) in the 2026 national budget on Thursday, January 8.
On Monday, President Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and vetoed over 90 billion pesos, reportedly to prevent corruption.
However, according to De Lima, there are still unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget that remain questionable.
She noted that there is an estimated 150 billion pesos in remaining UA.
The petitioners also requested the high court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), a Writ of Preliminary Injunction, or a Status Quo Ante Order to halt the implementation of the “unprogrammed funds.”
In addition to the TRO, they are asking the Supreme Court to declare Section 14 of Republic Act No. 12314 or the 2026 General Appropriations Act, “unconstitutional,” specifically the provision allowing for unprogrammed appropriations.
They are also seeking a ruling from the Supreme Court on whether the inclusion of UA in the GAA is constitutional or unconstitutional.
During the signing of the national budget, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the 2026 GAA or Republic Act No. 12314 is appropriate and aligned with the government’s long-term development plans, focused on uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
House Speaker Bojie Dy previously stated that the House will exercise its oversight functions to ensure that every peso in the 2026 national budget is spent according to the provisions of the P6.793 trillion GAA.