MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accused those challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) before the Supreme Court (SC) of attempting to destabilize the government.
Speaking in Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday (30 Jan 2025), Marcos said that if the SC rules against the budget, there is no contingency plan in place. He added that this would be a deliberate attempt to paralyze government operations.
Marcos dismissed the petitioners’ claims, which challenge the legality of certain provisions in the 2025 budget, particularly alleging “blank items” in the bicameral report that could undermine transparency.
“Their assertion is very difficult to defend,” he said, expressing confidence in the strength of the government’s position.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who will represent the government in the case, assured that the budget is on solid constitutional ground.
Despite the petition, Guevarra emphasized that the constitutionality of the 2025 GAA is legally presumed until proven otherwise.
The petitioners, including Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and former government officials, argue that the lack of specific details in the budget undermines fiscal accountability.
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