Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that the executive branch could not be held accountable for the alleged blank items in the bicameral conference committee report of the 2025 national budget, which critics plan to question before the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that Malacañang is not involved in Congress’ internal processes and dismissed claims that President Marcos signed a “blank check.”
Senate and budget officials echoed this, stating that discrepancies appear only in the bicam report, not in the finalized General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Bersamin expressed confidence that legal challenges will not derail budget implementation, citing the Supreme Court’s prioritization of government functions.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to funding key programs despite criticisms of budget cuts.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 25, 2025
