"The Evolution of Marcos: Budget Crisis 'Destabilization' Move

The Evolution of Marcos: Budget Crisis 'Destabilization' MoveAs President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. navigates the complexities of governance, he finds himself at the center of a brewing controversy surrounding the 2025 national budget. Recently, Marcos defended the constitutionality of the spending law amid claims that it contains "blank items" that could be used for future allocations without proper authorization.A Petition for Certiorari and ProhibitionThe controversy began when former executive secretary Victor Rodriguez and Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab filed a petition before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) signed by Marcos on December 30. The petitioners argue that the bicameral panel submitted a report containing blank items for allocations without proper appropriations, violating Article VI, Section 27 of the Constitution.Confidence in Solicitor General's ArgumentMarcos expressed confidence in the strength of the government's case against the petition, relying on Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra to answer the challenges. "The SolGen tells me that we are on solid ground in terms of constitutionality," Marcos said. "I don't understand why they (critics) bothered to file this petition, as their assertion is quite difficult to sustain."No Contingency Plan for Supreme Court RulingWhile the president expressed confidence in the government's case, he acknowledged that there was no contingency plan in place in case the Supreme Court strikes down the 2025 GAA. "We have essentially shut down everything," Marcos said. "I suppose that's what they want – to destabilize the government and continue their efforts."The Power of the Bicameral PanelThe petition highlights the power granted to the bicameral panel under Article VI, Section 27 of the Constitution. The panel has the authority to reconcile conflicting provisions from the Senate and House versions of the GAA, but only by clearly stating which version it should be amended to.A Matter of AccountabilityAs the controversy surrounding the 2025 budget continues to unfold, questions arise about accountability and transparency in government spending. It is essential that the public has access to accurate information about how their tax dollars are being utilized.Looking Ahead: A Call for VigilanceMoving forward, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in government spending. The journey towards a more effective and efficient system will require collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders.ConclusionIn conclusion, the evolution of Marcos' approach to the 2025 budget crisis has brought new challenges to the forefront of public discourse. As we navigate this complex issue, it is essential that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and vigilance in our pursuit of a more effective and efficient system.Keywords: 2025 national budget, General Appropriations Act (GAA), Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, bicameral panel, Supreme Court, Article VI, Section 27 of the Constitution.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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