Politics · Philippines Bureau
Supreme Court validates late Lagman's fight against budget mechanism
The Supreme Court has struck down the use of unprogrammed appropriations in previous national budgets, affirming concerns raised by the late Albay Representative Edcel Lagman. The October 7 ruling declared unconstitutional Congress' P449.5-billion increase in the controversial budgeting practice.
LSN Philippines ·
LEGAZPI CITY — The family of late Albay Representative Edcel Lagman has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate unprogrammed appropriations used in previous national budgets, viewing the ruling as vindication of his long-standing opposition to the budgeting mechanism.
The high court declared unconstitutional Congress' P449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed appropriations, addressing a fiscal practice that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups. Edcel Lagman had consistently challenged the mechanism during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
In a statement released Thursday, Albay Representative Krisel Lagman, Edcel's daughter, expressed support for the Supreme Court's October 7 decision. The ruling represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over budget transparency and the proper use of congressional appropriations.
Unprogrammed appropriations allow Congress to reallocate funds that were initially unallocated in the national budget. Critics have argued that the practice lacks sufficient transparency and oversight mechanisms, potentially enabling wasteful or misaligned spending of public funds.