Supreme Court strikes down 'bloated' budget provisions as unconstitutional

MANILA — The Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional certain provisions in the 2024 and 2025 national budgets, as well as key unprogrammed appropriations designated for 2026, after determining that the legislature allocated funds beyond amounts proposed by the president.

In a 121-page decision authored by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the court found the contested budget provisions violated constitutional requirements governing fiscal allocations. The ruling addresses what the bench characterized as excessive or "bloated" appropriations that lacked proper presidential endorsement.

The decision carries significant implications for government spending and the balance of power between Congress and the Executive branch in budgetary matters. It underscores constitutional constraints on legislative authority to appropriate funds independently of presidential recommendations.

The court's findings apply to unprogrammed funds—discretionary allocations typically used for contingencies or supplementary spending—across the three-year budgetary period. Officials have not yet detailed how the ruling will affect ongoing government operations or require budget adjustments.