By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Joey Sarte Salceda welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on unprogrammed appropriations, saying it places President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a strong position to lead comprehensive reforms in the national budget process.
In a statement, Salceda said he welcomed the Court’s recognition that unprogrammed appropriations are not inherently unconstitutional but are legitimate fiscal management instruments subject to constitutional limits and safeguards.
He also cited the ruling’s finding that Marcos was not personally responsible for grave abuse of discretion, noting that the Court’s findings principally concerned congressional increases beyond the President’s proposed budget and deficiencies in the legal safeguards governing certain appropriations.
“With the Supreme Court’s ruling having affirmed that the Executive is not in grave abuse of discretion, the President is now in a strong position to lead comprehensive budget reform and put in place a clear, modern, and accountable budget process for the country,” he said.
Salceda said the ruling provides an opportunity to move beyond recurring disputes over the national budget and establish a more transparent and constitutionally sound budgeting system.
Following the decision, Salceda said his office, PLLO, will work with the Department of Budget and Management, Congress and other concerned agencies to pursue the enactment of the proposed Philippine Budgeting Code.
Salceda said the measure seeks to comprehensively reform the national budget process.
He also thanked the Supreme Court for inviting him to participate as amicus curiae in its deliberations on the issue.
“Allow me also to express my gratitude to the honorable Supreme Court for inviting me to participate as amicus curiae, or “friend of the Court.” It was a distinct honor to assist the Court in resolving a matter of such historic importance,” he added.
He said the ruling preserves the Executive’s constitutional role in budget formulation and implementation while clarifying the limits of the appropriations process.
He added that the President is now in a position to work with Congress to ensure that the flexibility government needs in spending is matched by the accountability required by the Constitution. (PNA)
