Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has firmly rejected allegations of irregularities in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), shedding light on the legislative process. Addressing concerns about blank entries in budget documents, Escudero stressed that only the final enrolled bill, which is signed into law by the President, is subject to constitutional review. He pointed out that no bicameral conference committee report has ever been deemed unconstitutional, as the judiciary’s role is to assess laws, not committee reports. During a press briefing, Escudero clarified that any blank spaces or typographical errors in the GAA do not allow the Department of Budget and Management or the National Treasury to release funds. He dismissed claims of a ‘blank check’ from Congress as unfounded and misleading. Escudero also expressed worries about the politicization of budget issues, suggesting that the upcoming election season might be fueling these disputes. He noted an increase in politically motivated attacks and criticisms. Furthermore, he explained that the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations and the Senate’s Committee on Finance have the authority to correct or add details to ensure the accuracy of the report. In case of any discrepancies between the GAA and the bicameral report, the GAA, as the enrolled bill, takes precedence. Escudero reiterated that only laws like the GAA can be declared unconstitutional, not the bicameral conference committee report. He referenced Supreme Court decisions to underline the importance of the enrolled bill, which is signed by key legislative figures and the President. Escudero reassured the public of the transparency and constitutionality of the budget process, encouraging critics to examine established procedures and court rulings on budget laws.
Senate President Escudero Debunks Allegations of Irregularities in 2025 Budget
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