Marcos insists blank items 'nonexistent'

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CEBU CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), dismissing allegations of blank items in the national budget as "nonexistent" during his address at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) here on Thursday.

Marcos emphasized his personal involvement in the review of the budget, saying, "Just last month, I had to read 4,057 pages of the General Appropriations Act for 2025. I reviewed it, analyzed it, and yes, in parts, vetoed it."

He stressed that the claims of blank items are unfounded, insisting, "I'm convinced they simply do not exist because it is not allowed."

The president's remarks came in response to a Supreme Court petition filed by his former executive secretary and senatorial candidate Vic Rodriguez and Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab. The two are challenging the constitutionality of the budget.

The petition accuses the budget of containing blank items in the bicameral conference committee report, a claim that has been repeatedly denied by government officials, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Marcos expressed confidence in the legal defense of the GAA, explaining that Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who is representing the government in the case, assured him that the administration is on firm constitutional grounds.

"We'll let the SolGen make the argument before the Supreme Court. We're very confident that our case is strong," Marcos said.

When questioned about the possible consequences if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the petitioners, Marcos warned that the government would "shut down everything."

"I guess that's what they want — they want the government to cease working so their destabilization efforts will succeed," he added.

The petitioners argue that the alleged blank items violate constitutional requirements for transparency in the budgeting process.

Named respondents in the petition are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Senate President Francis Escudero.

In addition to addressing the budget controversy, Marcos underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, emphasizing its centrality to the country's democracy.

He also recognized the role of the legal profession in shaping national policies, particularly in emerging areas like cybercrime, data privacy, and artificial intelligence.

Marcos also highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding access to justice, such as the Unified Legal Aid Service Rules, which require lawyers to provide pro bono services, and the IBP's free legal assistance programs, including the digital pro bono portal introduced last year.

As the legal challenge to the 2025 budget progresses, the administration remains resolute in its defense, with the president asserting, "I assure you that fine print is alive in my office as well," stressing that the executive's role in the budget is handled with the utmost diligence and legal rigor.

Before his IBP event, Marcos met with the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug, where they discussed economic development, infrastructure projects, and regional growth strategies.

He then attended the 20th National Convention of Lawyers, and joined the "Unity Lunch" at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The president capped his schedule with a visit at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to inaugurate its alternate runway.