Bayan Muna leaders filed on Wednesday a motion to immediately resolve the consolidation petitions calling for massive reforms in the budgetary process.
In a 10-page motion, petitioners raised the urgency of the matter emphasizing that systemic corruption needs a systemic solution.
“It is imperative that systemic reforms must be demanded to make the budgetary process transparent, accountable, and participatory,” the motion read.
“Petitioners ask this Honorable Court to wield its constitutionally guaranteed powers to strike down grave abuse of discretion and contribute to the systemic reforms required to cut the ugly head of corruption in the country,” it added.
Likewise, the petitioners are asking SC to issue guidelines to ensure that the process abides by the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
In particular, they sought guidance to reflect the following as key pillars in the budget process: the presidential certification of urgency for the national budget, the amendment of a bill already approved on third reading, and the conduct of the Bicameral Conference Committee in introducing provisions and projects into the budget.
They expressed concerns that unconstitutional and illegal acts questioned in the petitions could be repeated in the 2026 budget law, if the SC fails to issue a resolution or constitutional guidelines.
The petitioners include Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares as well as former partylist representatives Carlos Zarate and Ferdinand Gaite. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Senate and the House of Representatives were named as respondents.
