SEN. Bong Go on Wednesday challenged the government’s economic managers to justify what he described as inconsistent budget priorities.
Go’s action comes as the Supreme Court continues oral arguments on the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations.
The high court, in hearings held on April 21, examined the legality of unprogrammed funds included in the 2024 to 2026 national budgets.
The proceedings follow a landmark December ruling that declared unconstitutional the transfer of P60 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), reigniting debate over how public funds are allocated and reallocated.
Go said the ongoing legal debate highlights the government’s ability to maneuver funds when needed, but he questioned its reluctance to mobilize resources for fuel relief amid rising oil prices.
“While lawyers in the Supreme Court are exchanging legal arguments about unprogrammed funds, our drivers and commuters on the road have a simple question: If you found a way to sweep away the billions in PhilHealth funds before, why is it that now, when it comes to fuel relief, the answer always seems to be no funds?” he said in Filipino.
The senator argued that if the government can justify the transfer of so-called “excess funds” into unprogrammed appropriations for various projects, similar mechanisms should be used to cushion Filipinos from the impact of the global oil crisis.
However, he emphasized that funds belonging to PhilHealth should not be tapped again, stressing the need to protect resources intended for health care.
