By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President has exercised his veto power on two provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The vetoed provisions concern the Department of Justice (DOJ) revolving fund and the Implementation of the National Government’s Career Executive Service Development Program (NGCESDP).
In a letter dated December 20 addressed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House members, Marcos explained his decision regarding the DOJ revolving fund, stating, “Under my constitutional mandate to ensure that laws are faithfully executed, I am obliged to veto Department of Justice (DOJ)-Office of the Secretary (OSEC), Special Provision No. 1, ‘DOJ Revolving Fund,’ Volume I-A, page 1119, since there is no law which authorizes the DOJ to establish a revolving fund for the purpose indicated therein.”
He emphasized that the proposed service fees were intended to be imposed on complaints and affidavits filed with the National Prosecution Service, and petitions for review filed before the DOJ. However, Marcos pointed out that these pleadings are submitted to the agencies under their jurisdiction vested by law, and the charges are not from business-type activities within the contemplation of the General Provision on Revolving Funds in the GAA.
Citing a Supreme Court decision, Marcos asserted that inappropriate provisions are unconstitutional and that provisions intended to amend other laws have no place in an appropriations bill.
The President also vetoed Section 38 under the General Provisions, concerning the “Implementation of National Government’s Career Executive Service Development Program.” He argued that this section does not relate to any specific appropriation in the budget.
According to Marcos, Presidential Decree (PD) No. 336 has already defined the functions of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) as the governing body of the Career Executive Service (CES).
He noted that the Development Academy of the Philippines is tasked with preparing a CES program appropriate and necessary for the organization and operation of the CES, in consultation with the CESB, and initiating and continuing to implement the program.
(IAmigo/MNM)
