Supreme Court Nullifies Congressional Appropriations and Road Fund Increases

The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional Congress’ P449.5-billion increase in unprogrammed appropriations from the 2024 national budget and a P17.99-billion increase in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Special Road Fund for 2025. For the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the Court nullified Special Provisions 1(a) and 1(b) which authorized unprogrammed funds based on excess collections from non-tax revenue sources. Solicitor General Darlene Marie Berberabe advised the Department of Budget and Management to prepare to suspend some projects under the ruling.

The ruling limits legislative budgetary authority by declaring the unprogrammed appropriations increases unconstitutional. The Solicitor General advised that projects that had not yet started should be put on hold, while those already underway or being implemented in phases should continue.