Atty. Sonny Matula argues that if a provision was clearly questionable, the President had the power to veto it—but did not. He also points out the sharp increase in unprogrammed appropriations, from the Executive’s proposal of about ₱232 million to over ₱800 billion in 2023 and ₱731 billion in 2024, raising concerns about how these provisions were approved
PBBM COULD HAVE VETOED THE QUESTIONABLE UNPROGRAMMED APPROPRIATIONS
On #ABOGADO, the discussion shifts to a key point on responsibility in lawmaking:
Should the President have vetoed the questionable provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA)?
Atty. Sonny Matula argues that if a provision was clearly questionable, the President had the power to veto it—but did not. He also points out the sharp increase in unprogrammed appropriations, from the Executive’s proposal of about ₱232 million to over ₱800 billion in 2023 and ₱731 billion in 2024, raising concerns about how these provisions were approved.
He suggests that with proper legal scrutiny, these provisions should not have survived the budget process.
This raises a bigger question of accountability: when issues are already visible at the lawmaking stage, where should responsibility truly begin?
WHEN FUNDS FOR THE POOR ARE TAKEN AWAY
On #ABOGADO, Atty. Sonny Matula raises serious concerns over the PhilHealth fund transfer.
He says billions meant for social services and those “who have less in life” were diverted elsewhere, calling it a clear issue of social justice under Article XIII of the Constitution.
He also points out that if conspiracy is proven and those involved are identified, the case could potentially rise to plunder, depending on the amount and evidence.
For him, taking funds meant for vulnerable sectors is not just a legal issue—but a moral and constitutional one.
FULL DISCUSSION: https://t.co/SccZjdbWvh
The Vatican has officially begun examining a reported miracle believed to have occurred through the intercession of Pope Benedict XVI — a development that comes as the Church continues advancing his cause for sainthood.
The extraordinary case centers on a young man from Colorado who was diagnosed in 2012 with advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI placed his hand directly over the area of the tumor and offered a blessing. What happened afterward stunned many: the young man experienced a complete and medically unexplained recovery that doctors could not scientifically explain.
Today, that same young man serves the Church as a Catholic priest.
For many faithful Catholics, this is seen as a powerful reminder that God continues to work through the lives and prayers of His holy servants. Even after his passing, Pope Benedict XVI — remembered as a brilliant theologian, humble shepherd, and defender of truth — continues to inspire countless souls around the world.
Let us pray for wisdom and guidance throughout this investigation, and for the possible glorification of this faithful servant of Christ and His Church.
Meanwhile, support for Pope Benedict XVI’s canonization continues to grow. A lay-led petition urging the Vatican to accelerate his beatification and canonization has already gathered more than 1,900 signatures.
“In the beginning was the Word...” — John 1:1
A verse deeply loved by Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting his lifelong devotion to Sacred Scripture, truth, and the eternal Word of God.
- David Ndukwe
FFW National President and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition Chairperson Atty. Sonny Matula likened the recent Senate work stoppage to a “wildcat strike,” a term used in labor relations to describe a strike conducted without the required legal procedures or union authorization.
https://t.co/Uv9tL6cl26
FFW President Emeritus and labor lawyer Allan Montaño said the current sanctions are disproportionately harsh compared with accountability mechanisms imposed on public officials.
“Loss of employment is too severe a penalty for workers exercising collective action, especially when they are asserting labor rights,” Montaño said. “Congress should review and amend the provisions governing illegal strikes.”
https://t.co/Uv9tL6cl26
Breaking: Pope Leo XIV tells states that Catholic Colleges and Universities must teach "sound doctrine" and that it is not enough to teach intellectual truths but they must teach the "Truth that is Christ."
Should public officials face criminal liability for implementing laws that were presumed valid at the time... but later declared unconstitutional?
The Supreme Court struck down the transfer of billions in PhilHealth reserve funds, prompting criminal complaints that raise difficult questions about good faith, accountability, and the limits of public authority. When officials act under a law enacted by Congress and signed by the President, can they later be prosecuted if that law is declared unconstitutional?
On #Abogado, Atty. Sonny Matula and Atty. Race Del Rosario examine the constitutional and criminal law issues at the heart of the controversy, from plunder, technical malversation, and graft to the broader question of where the law should draw the line between public accountability and good-faith governance.
4th day at the 114th International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Philippines became a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 15 June 1948, two years after gaining independence from the United States.
Under Article 219(o) of the Labor Code of the Philippines:
“Strike” means any temporary stoppage of work by the concerted action of employees as a result of an industrial or labor dispute.
Wildcat Strike at the Senate
We call on Congress to review Article 279 of the Labor Code on illegal strike.
It appears the Senate majority has discovered a new form of industrial action: a wildcat strike by legislators.
No Notice of Strike. No strike vote. No mediation. Just a stoppage of work.
The difference is that when workers strike, they risk losing pay. And, if there is no notice of strike, the strike might be declared illegal.
In an illegal strike, the workers lose their jobs as an ultimate penalty for an illegal act (dapat ireview ito ng Congress at mabago ang Article 279 ng Labor Code). Losing a job is too “harsh a penalty.”
The principle of "no work, no pay" applies to workers. When senators stop working, taxpayers still foot the bill.
Attendance muna bago sweldo.
Wildcat Strike at the Senate
We call on Congress to review Article 279 of the Labor Code on illegal strike.
It appears the Senate majority has discovered a new form of industrial action: a wildcat strike by legislators.
No Notice of Strike. No strike vote. No mediation. Just a stoppage of work.
The difference is that when workers strike, they risk losing pay. And, if there is no notice of strike, the strike might be declared illegal.
In an illegal strike, the workers lose their jobs as an ultimate penalty for an illegal act (dapat ireview ito ng Congress at mabago ang Article 279 ng Labor Code). Losing a job is too “harsh a penalty.”
The principle of "no work, no pay" applies to workers. When senators stop working, taxpayers still foot the bill.
Attendance muna bago sweldo.
Wildcat Strike at the Senate
It appears the Senate majority has discovered a new form of industrial action: a wildcat strike by legislators.
No Notice of Strike. No strike vote. No mediation. Just a stoppage of work.
The difference is that when workers strike, they risk losing pay. And, if there is no notice of strike, the strike might be declared illegal.
In an illegal strike, the workers lose their jobs as an ultimate penalty for an illegal act (dapat ireview ito ng Congress at mabago ang Article 279 ng Labor Code). Losing a job is too “harsh a penalty.”
The principle of "no work, no pay" applies to workers. When senators stop working, taxpayers still foot the bill.
Attendance muna bago sweldo.
‘WALA PO SA RULES NA ‘WAG KANG PUMASOK DAHIL GALIT KA’
Sen. Erwin Tulfo stated that the Senate majority bloc clearly boycotted Monday’s session in response to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s arrest in an interview with Arnold Clavio. He, however, emphasized that this should not excuse neglecting their duty to the public.
READ RELATED STORY: https://t.co/5PkaRGti0u
Attending the 114th International Labor Conference at the ILO HQ in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ILO is a tripartite body: it is composed of gov’t, workers and employers. Atty. Sonny Matula has been attending the ILC as worker’ delegate or adviser since 2006.
Actually, the Philippines was already a founding member of the UN in 1945, and then joined the ILO in 1948 as a sovereign state.