De Lima, Erice ask Supreme Court to strike down P150-B unprogrammed fundsReps. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) and Edgar Erice (Caloocan, 2nd District) file a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the unprogrammed appropriations on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. "Since the budget consists of line item, the Unprogrammed Appropriations which are lump-sum in character, deviates (sic) from the line-item appropriations," the petition read. How unprogrammed funds workUnprogrammed appropriations are funded only if excess revenues are generated, new taxes are imposed and collected, or additional loans and grants become available. This means projects or programs under unprogrammed appropriations can proceed only if funds materialize. The unprogrammed appropriations have existed in the national budget since 1989.

Source: Philippine Star January 08, 2026 15:45 UTC