Chiz: GAA 2025 is clean

Senate President Chiz Escudero reassured the public that the Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) report on the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was properly processed, addressing concerns ahead of Supreme Court hearings on the budget’s constitutionality.

At a forum on Wednesday, 26 March, Escudero emphasized that both the Senate and House of Representatives followed due process in finalizing the budget.

“The Bicam report was clear. We authorized the finance committee and the appropriations committee to fill in any gaps and make necessary corrections since the budget bill consists of over 200,000 lines. If we had to go back to Bicam for every blank space, we would never finish. The authority was granted within the parameters set by the committee,” Escudero explained.

SolGen to represent Congress

Escudero also confirmed that the Solicitor General (SolGen) will represent Congress in the Supreme Court’s oral arguments regarding the petition challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 GAA.

“We have spoken with the SolGen, and they have assured us that they will handle the case and present Congress’ position,” Escudero stated in Filipino.

Escudero clarified that the SolGen’s previous recusal from another case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte had no impact on the current matter.

Chiz as presiding officer

Escudero also outlined his role in an upcoming impeachment trial, explaining that unlike a presidential impeachment, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would not preside. Instead, as Senate President, he would oversee the trial.

“Under the Constitution, the Chief Justice only presides over an impeachment trial if it involves the President. For all other impeachable officials, including the Vice President, the Senate President serves as the presiding officer,” he noted.

Escudero, a seasoned lawyer, stated that he has been reviewing legal rules and procedures in preparation for the trial.

"Even though I am a lawyer, I am studying the rules of evidence, criminal and civil procedures again. It’s best to sharpen my knowledge, and I advise the Senate members, as well as the prosecution panel, to do the same,” he said.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on the 2025 budget on 1 April, unless the date is rescheduled.