Marcos Jr. Labels Supreme Court Challenge to 2025 Budget as Destabilization Tactic

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accused those challenging the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) in the Supreme Court of attempting to destabilize the government. Speaking in Lapu-Lapu City, Marcos expressed that there is no backup plan should the court rule against the budget, suggesting that such a ruling would effectively halt government operations, which he believes is the goal of the challengers. Marcos emphasized that the government’s case is strong and expressed confidence in Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who will defend the budget’s constitutionality. The petition against the 2025 GAA, filed by Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab, former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, and other former officials, focuses on alleged ‘blank items’ in the budget that they argue compromise transparency and accountability. Guevarra has stated that he will argue the case if required, maintaining that the budget’s legality is presumed until proven otherwise.