MANILA — Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc are pushing for accountability against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following a Supreme Court ruling that declared portions of the national budget unconstitutional.
Speaking on Friday, ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio stated that the high court’s decision vindicated their previous warnings regarding anomalies in the national budget process.
Pointing out that the tribunal noted that authors, proponents, and implementors could face liability, Tinio emphasized that the Chief Executive must answer for the implementation of the disputed fiscal plans.
“Marcos signed an unconstitutional budget, not once but twice. Then he implemented it and enabled the flood control corruption scandal,” Tinio said in his response to Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
“Pres. Marcos, as the chief implementor, must be held accountable,” he added.
Former Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas echoed these sentiments, noting that the ruling confirms long-standing concerns over alleged pork barrel corruption and lack of transparency during bicameral conference committee deliberations.
Brosas recalled that she and select colleagues were the lone dissenters against the 2024 and 2025 appropriations measures, urging the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit to investigate those responsible.
Meanwhile, Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Louise Co criticized the systemic pattern of budget allocations, drawing attention to massive increases in unprogrammed appropriations and controversial funds.
Co warned that similar provisions are reappearing in the proposed 2027 fiscal package.
“This decision is crucial. Pinapalakas nito ang NO ng representasyong ito laban sa pagpapasa ng 2027 budget. Amoy na amoy ang baho ng sabwatan ng Kongreso at Malacañang sa paglustay sa kaban ng bayan,” Co stated.
“Sa 2027 budget, parehong tao, pareho ang modus. Ipinasa ng Kamara ang HB 10858 na may parehong release triggers at parehong lump sum na ipinagbawal na ng korte. Kung hindi babaguhin ito, unconstitutional na naman ang bahagi ng badyet para sa 2027,” she warned, adding that oversight bodies must rigorously scrutinize the upcoming budget.