Acting House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo
MindanaoToday.com | Quimbo Silent on Alleged Blanks in 2025 Budget Report
MANILA – Acting House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Stella Quimbo refused to comment on allegations of “blank” entries in the bicameral report on the proposed 2025 national budget. Despite being pressed by reporters on Thursday, Quimbo avoided addressing the issue raised by Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab. Her staff explained that she was in a rush and promised she would respond on Monday.
Ungab, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, claimed that the bicameral report contained blank items and shared alleged photos of the blanks on social media. He likened these omissions to issuing a “blank check.”
Allegations of Missing Details
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel corroborated Ungab’s claims, stating that he identified 12 blank entries in the bicameral report. These reportedly included nine agriculture-related programs and projects, as well as two unprogrammed appropriations. Manuel criticized the rushed ratification process, pointing out that the report was emailed to House members on December 11, 2024, at 6:27 p.m., with printed copies distributed only minutes before the plenary vote.
Senate’s Position
Senate President Francis Escudero downplayed the issue, emphasizing that the final budget law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was complete and free of blank entries.
Senator Imee Marcos, however, revealed that she refrained from signing the bicameral report due to a lack of details. Despite this, she clarified that the final budget law did not contain any blank items.
Malacañang’s Denial
The Palace dismissed the allegations, insisting that the enrolled version of the budget bill submitted for the President’s signature was complete and devoid of blanks.
Public Scrutiny Continues
The controversy has raised questions about the transparency and thoroughness of the budget ratification process. Critics are calling for greater accountability to ensure that such issues do not undermine the integrity of national appropriations in the future.
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