271059/271347/E-02472/E-04036 Representative Edcel C. Lagman, substituted by Albay First District Representative Krisel B. Lagman, et al. Vs. The Congress of the Philippines, et al./Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Pantaleo “Bebot” Alvarez Vs. Lucas P. Bersamin, in his capacity as executive secretary, and Amenah F. Pangandaman, in her capacity as secretary of the Department of Budget and Management/Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement, Inc. (FPJPM), represented by its president and chairperson, Joseph F. Cadsawan, and Gloria T. Puzon, chapter Officer Vs. The House of Representatives, et al./Edgar R. Erice and Leila De Lima Vs. The Senate of the Philippines, et al. — Official PDF

Decision 3 G.R. Nos. 271059, 271347, E-02472 artd E-04036 EDGAR R. ERICE and LEILA DE G.R. No. E-04036 LUvlA, Present: Petitioners, GESMUNDO, C.J., LEONEN, SAJ., -versus- CAGUIOA, HERNANDO,* LAZARO-JAVIER,THE SENATE OF THE INTING,PHILIPPINES, represented by ZALAMEDA,SENATE PRESIDENT HON. GAERLAN,VICENTE C. SOTTO III, and THE ROSARIO,HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, LOPEZ,represented by HOUSE SPEAKER DIMAAMPAO,HON. FAUSTINO G. DY III; HON. MARQUEZ,RALPH G. RECTO, in his capacity KHO, JR.,as executive secretary; and SINGH, andROLANDO U. TOLEDO, in his VILLANUEVA, JJ.capacity as acting secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, . Promulgated: Respondents. October 7, 2026 1 ,...-,l'J-...___ • -- -xx---------------------------------------7 ___ ) "'I __·_ ~ · . · DECISION LEONEN, SAJ: Every peso collected in taxes and fees represents labor rendered, needs deferred, perseverance, and sacrifice endured by our people. The General Appropriations Act rnust honor that sacrifice. The General Appropriations Act is among the rnost consequential enactments of government: It detennines how public resources will be used to respond to our people's suffering and to advance their hopes and aspirations. It has never been a catalogue of licenses to abuse or to steal. This Court is asked again, through these Petitions, to exercise its delicate constitutional duty to draw firmer constitutional boundaries against greed and abuse. We do not shrink from that duty. Yet, we resolve these consolidated cases with the confidence and the hope that those in the political departments will also find the courage and moral clarity to hold their own· leaders accountable when they betray the people they are sworn to serve. • On official leave but left a Concurring and Dissenting Opinion.