In a robust defense of the 2025 national budget, Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega V refuted claims made by former President Rodrigo Duterte about the presence of ‘blank appropriations’ in the budget. Ortega labeled these accusations as disinformation intended to manipulate the budget process and reinstate confidential funds previously allocated to Vice President Sara Duterte’s office.
Ortega emphasized that the budget was crafted through a meticulous and constitutionally sound process, devoid of any irregularities. He pointed out that the budget’s transparency and accountability were evident in the significant reduction of the Office of the Vice President’s budget from PHP2 billion in 2024 to PHP733 million in 2025. This reduction, he argued, was essential to ensure that government funds were directed towards priority programs beneficial to Filipinos.
The Deputy Majority Leader accused Duterte of attempting to discredit the budget to restore the confidential funds that Congress had removed. He highlighted the irony of Duterte’s sudden concern for budget integrity, especially in light of unresolved corruption scandals during his presidency, such as the Pharmally case.
Ortega urged the public to stay alert to attempts to exploit the budget process for personal or political gain. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to spending every peso wisely and transparently, aligning with the nation’s development goals. He stressed that the administration’s focus remains on progress and providing quality services to Filipinos, undeterred by baseless accusations.
Malacañang echoed Ortega’s sentiments, denying any allegations of blank items in the budget and confirming that the 4,057-page document across two volumes was thoroughly reviewed by Congress and the Department of Budget and Management.