SC summons lawmaker, staff to GAA arguments
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, chair of the House committee on appropriations, and members of the technical working group (TWG) to attend the upcoming oral arguments on the petition challenging the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra confirmed the information to reporters on Wednesday after the preliminary conference on the case, G.R. No. 277975, filed by allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte in late January.
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“Yes, Rep. Stella Quimbo and the TWG staff have been required by the SC to attend the oral arguments on April 1, which may last till April 3, in Baguio City,” Guevarra said.
In their petition, former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and other petitioners claimed that the bicameral conference committee submitted a report containing blank items on the General Appropriations Bill, allegedly violating the 1987 Constitution. —Jane Bautista