In a firm rebuttal to accusations of ‘blank items’ in the national budget for 2025, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva have declared that the budget was subjected to a meticulous review process before being signed off. The senators spoke out following claims by former President Rodrigo Duterte and Representative Isidro Ungab from Davao City’s 3rd District, who alleged that 13 pages of the budget contained blank appropriations, hinting at a ‘blank check’ strategy for future fund allocations.
During an impromptu interview, Gatchalian explained that the Senate’s staff, along with committee chairs and legislators, thoroughly examined all annexes and attachments to ensure the budget’s balance. He emphasized that the front page is signed, but the detailed review of all components is conducted by the staff and reviewed by the chairman before finalization. Gatchalian stressed the impossibility of passing a budget with blank entries, as it would disrupt the balance required.
Echoing Gatchalian’s stance, Villanueva, who also signed the bicameral conference committee report, confirmed that the document was complete and contained no blank sections. He found it hard to believe that a law could be passed with blank items, as it would not tally correctly and would be impossible to legislate.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also dismissed these allegations as falsehoods, asserting that the budget underwent a detailed review and all items were clearly specified.