Rappler's @Jairo Bolledo-Rappler is at the Sandiganbayan 6th Division for the last presentation of the prosecutors in Zaldy Co’s malversation case, Tuesday, April 7. The prosecutors are expected to bring a witness from the Anti-Money Laundering Council to show Co’s money trail and alleged financial ties to contractor Sunwest.

The prosecutors have so far presented two state witnesses: former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo and former district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Please join the CorruptionWatch 🔎 chat room for updates!

Here are the updates from @Patrick Cruz - Rappler of the Supreme Court's oral arguments:

Economics professor Winnie Monsod, standing as an amicus curiae, said unprogrammed appropriations “dilutes congressional control over public spending.”

She said UA weakens budget transparency through legislative scrutiny and increases the risk to discretionary allocation. Monsod also pointed out that UA blurs institutional accountability and undermines fiscal discipline and debt sustainability. Monsod also noted that UA also weakens link to development planning. 

As a result, Monsod said that spike in UAs significantlly affected GDP growth targets and national government deficit-to-GDP ratio.

Former senator Franklin Drilon told the Supreme Court that unprogrammed appropriations (UA) are not inherently unconstitutional, but may become unlawful in practice.

You can watch back a previous episode of Inside Track where we explain UA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6wsGDgQWA4&t=4s

Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen questioned Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe over the transfer of significant budget items from programmed funds to unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
These include the P7.05-billion allocation for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program or the program for free college education.

GARIN: OIL SUPPLY IN PH ENOUGH FOR 50 DAYS

The House begins discussions on the oil and energy crisis in the Philippines. Various government agencies are invited to brief the House.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin says the Philippines has on average 50 days' worth of oil supply left. She explains that this means that they are using this period to get replenishment.

Over 5,000 Filipino seafarers stranded in the Gulf – DFA

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Andrelita Austria tells the House ways and means committee on Wednesday, April 8, that about 2,000 ships with over 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf.

She says 5,601 Filipino seafarers are aboard 477 vessels in the area, based on data from the Department of Migrant Workers.

Fewer than 200 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began, she says. | via Herbie Gomez/Rappler

COURT ORDERS MADRIAGA TO ATTEND SARA IMPEACHMENT HEARING AT HOUSE

The Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Manila has ordered Ramil Madriaga to appear before the House justice committee's public hearing on the impeachment case of VP Sara Duterte on April 14.

Duterte fails to get TRO from SC; House impeachment hearing proceeds April 14
The Supreme Court ignored Vice President Sara Duterte's request for a temporary restraining order, which would prevent the House of Representatives from proceeding with the impeachment hearing.
The SC, in a press release, directs respondents instead to submit a comment within 10 days.

Arroyo denies plotting to oust Speaker Bojie Dy

Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo denies a report that she is supposedly plotting to unseat Speaker Bojie Dy.

Read her statement below. @here