Manila: The 2025 national budget underwent a thorough and constitutional process and was signed into law without irregularities, a House leader said on Thursday. Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V made the statement, as he dismissed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s claims of ‘blank appropriations’ in the 2025 budget as misinformation aimed at restoring Vice President Sara Duterte’s controversial confidential funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ortega criticized the spread of disinformation as a tactic commonly employed by internet trolls to manipulate public perception. He emphasized that people are now more discerning and capable of identifying falsehoods. Ortega highlighted that the budget reflects fiscal transparency and accountability, noting that Congress had significantly reduced the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget from PHP2 billion in 2024 to PHP733 million in 2025.

Ortega stated that there are no blank allocations in the budget, with reductions made to ensure government funds are directed to priority programs benefiting the Filipino people. He accused Duterte of trying to undermine the budget’s credibility to reinstate the confidential funds removed by Congress through a reenacted budget. Ortega also referenced unresolved corruption scandals during Duterte’s term, labeling the budget integrity concerns as a desperate attempt to regain control over public funds.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against efforts to exploit the budget process for personal or political gain, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prudent spending and transparency. Ortega reassured that this administration is focused on progress and will not let baseless accusations derail efforts to provide quality services to Filipinos.

Malaca±ang has denied the allegations regarding the blank items, stating that the 2025 budget, spanning 4,057 pages across two volumes, underwent a thorough review by Congress and Department of Budget and Management professionals.