OSG asks SC for 5-day extension to comment on GAA petition

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has requested a five-day extension from the Supreme Court to file its comment on a petition challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra stated that while the draft comment is complete, it is still undergoing revisions and corrections.

The OSG seeks the extension until February 27, 2025, noting the motion is not intended to delay proceedings.

The Supreme Court initially gave the OSG until February 22 to submit its comment.

The OSG is also prepared to comply with a separate Supreme Court order to submit the original copies of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill and the 2025 General Appropriations Enrolled Bill by noon on February 24.

The petition was filed by former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez and Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab, questioning the GAA's legality due to alleged lack of funding for PhilHealth, unauthorized spending increases, and prioritization of infrastructure over education.