Former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to promptly resolve petitions challenging the constitutionality of unprogrammed funds in the 2024-2026 national budgets, according to BusinessWorld .
The consolidated oral arguments before the high court center on whether standby appropriations — discretionary funds not allocated to specific programs — violate constitutional provisions on the budget process. Drilon argued that a timely ruling would provide Congress with clear guidance as it crafts the 2027 General Appropriations Act.
Petitioners have questioned the legality of lump-sum allocations in previous budgets, saying they give the executive branch undue flexibility. A decision before the next budget cycle is seen as crucial to ensure fiscal accountability and legislative oversight.