2025 budget can withstand legal challenges – Bersamin

Metro Manila, Philippines – Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin expressed confidence that the approved 2025 national budget will hold up against any legal challenges.

Bersamin made the remarks during a press briefing after the ceremonial signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Monday, December 30.

"We are confident, but we cannot prevent challenges that may be mounted by any group that might find this budget worthy of contesting," said Bersamin. "However, that is something we cannot control. We are confident that we worked diligently on this, and we believe our efforts will be upheld, barring any unforeseen challenges. We are not encouraging any legal contestation."

A labor coalition had previously indicated its intention to challenge the 2025 national budget if it includes provisions they find contentious.

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition Chairperson Sonny Matula said the group is prepared to take legal action, particularly over the administration's decision to withhold subsidies for the state health insurer, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Matula has yet to comment following the signing of the bill, which confirms that PhilHealth will no longer receive a subsidy.

In a separate interview, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also expressed his willingness to support efforts to challenge the budget's constitutionality.

“Yes, we plan to question it in the Supreme Court if there are unconstitutional provisions,” Carpio said.