Sec Bersamin declines to comment on SC petition vs GAA

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin declined on Tuesday to comment on a Supreme Court petition challenging the validity of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), stating it is 'too soon to comment' as he has yet to be served with the contents.

The petition, filed by Davao Representative Isidro Ungab and former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, argues that blank items in the bicameral conference committee report violate constitutional requirements.

Bersamin stated he would provide a comment through the Solicitor General after being officially served with the petition; meanwhile, the validity of the GAA is legally presumed.

The Palace previously refuted former President Rodrigo Duterte's claims about invalid budget allocations, maintaining that all amounts were determined before signing.

Petitioners raised concerns over increased budgets for Congress and other line agencies, as well as the lack of funding for PhilHealth; Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo clarified that the blanks in the bicam report are only for final computation adjustments.

Senate President Chiz Escudero welcomed the filing of the petition, viewing it as an opportunity to involve the Supreme Court in the budget process.

Escudero emphasized that the petition is part of democracy and a sign of its strength in the country.