THE approved 2024 national budget may be declared unconstitutional.
This was stated by Atty. Salvador Panelo after Sen. Koko Pimentel observed violations of the law in the passing of the said budget.
The possibility of the proposal being declared unconstitutional stems from the alleged addition of nearly P450-B by the bicameral conference committee for un-programmed appropriations funds.
“Well, it could be because the budget for approval is supposed to come from the executive department, indicating the expenses of different departments… What was submitted, and it was the bicameral committee that added, so it’s dangerous. It could be declared unconstitutional,” according to Atty. Salvador Panelo, Former Presidential Legal Counsel.
In connection with this, spent and allocated.
Panelo also questioned the un-programmed funds, and the risk of it being used as Pork Barrel Funds.
“You really need to either maintain the proposed budget or realign it. Transfer some funds to other departments that you think need it more than the others. But the un-programmed funds are a bit risky. Why un-programmed funds? Does that mean it could be allocated to members of Congress? It seems like it will end up as Pork Barrel Funds,” Atty. Panelo added.
Panelo also has a suggestion to Sen. Koko Pimentel, the only senator who opposed the senate ratification of the proposed P5.768-T national budget for the year 2024
“So, I will suggest Sen. Pimentel to file a petition to test the constitutionality of adding un-programmed funds,” he stated.
