18/06/2026
Supreme Court demands answers from House, Senate on ₱500-billion changes to national budget
PGMN Writer by PGMN Writer June 17, 2026
The Supreme Court PH has ordered the House of Representatives of the Philippines and the Senate to submit documents explaining the substantial changes made to the national budget during bicameral conference committee deliberations.
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The directive was issued by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen during oral arguments on consolidated petitions questioning the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget.
Leonen said the Court wanted to determine whether supporting documents existed to justify the adjustments made by the bicameral conference committee after both chambers had approved their respective versions of the General Appropriations Bill.
The Court noted that the House and Senate versions of the budget were reportedly aligned with the National Expenditure Program submitted by the Executive branch. However, additional appropriations amounting to about P400 billion to P500 billion were later reflected in the bicameral conference committee’s final version.
Citing concerns earlier raised by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Leonen directed counsels representing Congress to obtain records from both chambers showing how the changes were computed and approved.
Leonen said the Court wanted to know whether supporting documents accompanied the bicameral conference committee report. If no records exist, he said Congress should provide a certification stating that there are no supporting documents and explain how the increases and reductions in appropriations were determined.
The justice also pointed to appropriation figures that included centavo amounts, saying the Court wanted clarification on the methodology used in arriving at the revised allocations.
The order came as the Supreme Court continued its examination of the budget-making process and the legality of appropriations challenged in the petitions before the Court.
Tags: alfredo benjamin caguioabicameral conference committeeHouse of Representativesmarvic leonennational budgetSenateSupreme Court
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Senator Joel Villanueva attended the Senate’s special session on Wednesday, bringing the number of senators present to 13 and allowing the chamber to declare a quorum.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement that after speaking with Villanueva, it appeared that senators on the other side would soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate President.
“And now, after speaking with Sen. Joel Villanueva, it appears our colleagues on the other side will soon have the numbers to elect a new Senate President. I will not stand in the way of that vote,” Cayetano said.
Villanueva later arrived at the Senate and was welcomed by senators supporting Senator Win Gatchalian’s bid for the Senate presidency. His presence brought the number of senators on the floor to 13, allowing the Senate to formally convene.
Following the declaration of a quorum, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri moved to proceed with the election of the Senate President and nominated Gatchalian for the post.
Zubiri cited Gatchalian’s experience as a former mayor of Valenzuela City, member of the House of Representatives, senator, and chairperson of several Senate committees.
With no other nominations raised, the Senate elected Gatchalian as Senate President.
In the same statement, Cayetano said he would not stand in the way of the vote and extended his congratulations to whoever the chamber would lawfully elect as its next leader.
The Senate also elected Senator Vicente Tito Sotto III as Senate President Pro Tempore and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Senate Majority Leader.
Tags: Alan Peter CayetanoJoel VillanuevaMigz ZubiriSenateSherwin Gatchaliantito sotto
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