Practice question
A disaster-relief appropriation states the amount, geographic coverage and eligible repair projects. After the law takes effect, a joint congressional committee demands the power to select each contractor and to approve every fund release. The executive agency may not proceed without the committee chairman's signature. The committee argues that these controls are necessary to prevent corruption and are therefore congressional oversight. Assume that no constitutional provision independently authorizes this arrangement. Which conclusion is best?
- The controls are valid whenever both chambers appoint committee members
- The controls are valid because preventing corruption permits Congress to execute appropriations
- The controls are valid if the committee calls each decision a recommendation, even though it is binding
- The controls are invalid only if legislators personally receive the released funds
- The controls improperly involve legislators in budget execution rather than permissible oversight
Legal references
- Belgica v. Ochoa, G.R. Nos. 208566, 208493 and 209251, November 19, 2013, main decision: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2013/nov2013/gr_208566_2013.html
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