Zalameda backs officials on budget appropriations in chief justice bid

MANILA—Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda appeared before the Judicial and Bar Council on Monday as a leading candidate for the chief justice seat, where he addressed concerns surrounding unprogrammed appropriations under the national budget.

During his interview, Zalameda argued that officials responsible for authorizing budget hikes through unprogrammed appropriations should be granted the presumption of good faith in their actions. He characterized such appropriations as constitutionally permissible mechanisms within the government's budgetary framework.

Unprogrammed appropriations allow the government to allocate funds beyond those originally included in the annual budget. While intended to address urgent needs or unforeseen circumstances, they have occasionally drawn scrutiny over their use and oversight.

Zalameda's stance comes as the Supreme Court continues to grapple with budget-related issues. The Associate Justice's comments offer insight into his judicial philosophy regarding executive fiscal decisions and the standard of review applied to government officials' budgetary choices.

The JBC interview is part of the selection process for filling the chief justice position, with multiple candidates presenting their qualifications and judicial perspectives to the council.