SEN. Bong Go expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will uphold the law and the welfare of Filipinos as it continues its oral arguments on the legality of unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget.
The high court is currently hearing consolidated petitions questioning provisions in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 General Appropriations Acts, focusing on the use of standby or unprogrammed funds. Oral arguments have so far been conducted on April 7 and April 21.
“We have great respect for the Supreme Court, for the wisdom of our justices, and for their careful deliberation on this issue,” Go said. “We have full confidence that they will look at this not only in accordance with the law but also in accordance with the welfare of the Filipino people.” While the issues under review are largely constitutional and technical, Go emphasized their real-world implications, particularly for Filipinos struggling with healthcare expenses such as hospitalization, maintenance medicines, and dialysis.
“While discussing the technical and constitutional issues, I hope it remains clear to all of us that there are Filipinos who rely on every fund released by the government for their medical and daily needs,” he said.
The senator stressed that safeguarding public funds is essential to ensuring that government resources are directed toward critical services, especially in the health sector.
The proceedings follow a December 2025 ruling by the high court ordering the return of P60 billion in funds transferred from Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to the National Treasury and permanently prohibiting the transfer of an additional P29.9 billion balance.
Go reiterated his long-standing position that health-related funds must be used exclusively for healthcare services.
“I have long said that health funds should go to health. When it comes to lives, treatment, and medical services, every penny counts,” he said. “Many of our countrymen are already very poor, so it is very important to protect the funds for them.” The senator expressed hope that the Court’s continuing review will strengthen public confidence in the government’s handling of funds and reinforce constitutional accountability.
“We believe in the integrity of our Supreme Court. We hope that in their careful and fair handling of this matter, law, justice, and above all, the interests of the Filipino people will prevail,” he added.
