MANILA — The Supreme Court has directed the House of Representatives and the Senate to submit supporting documents explaining the changes made by the bicameral conference committee in the 2024 national budget.

In a report, it said that Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen issued the directive during oral arguments on petitions questioning unprogrammed appropriations in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 national budgets.

“In addition to the documents requested by Justice Ben, kindly request from the House and the Senate, your clients, whether there are supporting documents, once and for all,” Leonen said Tuesday.

Leonen noted that the General Appropriations Bill and the Senate version of the 2024 budget were aligned with the National Expenditure Program, but said the bicameral conference committee introduced additional allocations amounting to around PHP400 billion to PHP500 billion.

He said that in the absence of supporting documentation, Congress must submit a certification and explanation on how the budget figures were determined.

“Because what we see, collectively, was that there was centavos at the end. So we want to know how they are computed and why there are no documentation,” Leonen said.

He also said petitioners may submit their comments and manifestations during the proceedings.

“The petitioners are free to also comment because you do have members of the house with you. In fact the various petitions, and one of the counsels, have been a member of the house also,” he added.

Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe, meanwhile, said the government will comply with the Court’s directive.

The case stems from consolidated petitions filed by former lawmakers and sitting officials, including former Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr., Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, former Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima, as well as civic groups.