Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has firmly denied allegations made by the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte that the bicameral conference committee (bicam) report on the 2025 national budget contained blank items. According to Escudero, these claims are false and baseless.
The Accusations
Former President Duterte and Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab alleged that the General Appropriations Act (GAA), based on the bicam report, included blank amounts, making the budget invalid. Ungab specifically pointed to discrepancies in items related to the Department of Agriculture and unprogrammed appropriations.
Duterte expressed concerns that leaving budget items blank would allow for later tampering, which he warned could lead to criminal prosecution. Ungab argued that these blanks were not simple typographical or printing errors.
Escudero’s Response
Escudero countered these allegations by clarifying that the bicam report he signed was complete and contained no blank items.
- “Wala [none],” Escudero emphasized when asked directly about the supposed blanks.
- He added, “Hindi tama na mag-akusang may blank check na binigay ang Kongreso. Mali yun. Kasinungalingan yun at hindi totoo yun.” (It’s not right to claim Congress gave a blank check. That’s a lie and not true.)
Escudero also questioned the authenticity of the document presented by Ungab, stating that it lacked his signature and could not be the official bicam report.
How the Budget Works
Escudero explained that the bicam report includes safeguards for accuracy and oversight.
- The report allows the committees on appropriations and finance to “correct and fill” minor items that may have been overlooked.
- Additionally, the final version of the GAA—the enrolled copy signed by the President—takes precedence over any earlier versions.
“The law is the enrolled copy of the bill signed by the President. That is the one that can be questioned. In all my years as a lawyer, I have not heard of a committee report being declared illegal or unconstitutional,” Escudero said.
Differing Opinions Among Senators
While Escudero and at least three other senators denied the presence of blank items, Senator Imee Marcos offered a different perspective.
- Marcos, who was part of the bicam committee but did not sign the report, said, “Kagulat-gulat ‘yung bicam, kung bakit nakalusot na may mga blangkong amounts.” (It’s surprising that blanks slipped through the bicam.)
- She explained that her decision not to sign was driven by concerns over the missing details.
Malacañang’s Statement
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. dismissed Duterte’s allegations as lies.
- The Palace labeled the accusations “criminal” and stressed that such claims should be rejected outright.
What’s Next?
As discussions around the 2025 budget continue, Escudero maintained that only the final, enacted version of the GAA is subject to legal scrutiny. He urged critics to focus on factual evidence and avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine the integrity of the budget process.
This issue underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the country’s finances, ensuring every detail is clear and every peso is accounted for.
