SC schedules oral arguments on GAA and Maharlika Fund constitutionality

The Supreme Court (SC) has scheduled oral arguments for April to address petitions challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act and the Maharlika Investment Fund Act.

Former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, along with other petitioners including Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, will argue on April 1 at 2 p.m. in Baguio City that the national budget is unconstitutional due to alleged irregularities.

A preliminary conference for this case has been set for February 28 at 1 p.m. in Manila.

The SC also scheduled oral arguments for a separate petition challenging the constitutionality of the Maharlika Investment Fund Act on April 22, with Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III among the petitioners.

Respondents Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines are directed to file their comments within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice.

Petitioners argue that the GAA fails to allocate mandatory funding for PhilHealth, unlawfully increases appropriations beyond the President's recommendations, and allocates the highest budget to infrastructure over education.