OSG seeks SC extension to respond to GAA petition

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has requested an extension from the Supreme Court to respond to a petition challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez filed the petition on January 27, arguing that the GAA is flawed due to insufficient funding for PhilHealth and unauthorized spending increases.

In a motion dated February 19, Solicitor-General Menardo I. Guevarra requested until February 27 to submit their comment after receiving the High Court's order on February 12.

The OSG explained that while the draft comment was completed, it still requires further revision and correction before submission.

Rodriguez's petition also cited the prioritization of infrastructure over education and the inclusion of blank items in the Bicameral Conference Committee Report as violations of constitutional requirements.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a preliminary conference for February 28 and oral arguments for April 1 to address the case.