Manila: Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva on Tuesday dismissed allegations of "blank items" in the 2025 national budget, asserting that it underwent thorough review before signing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized in an ambush interview that Senate staff, committee chairpersons, and lawmakers meticulously review annexes and attachments to ensure the budget balances. He explained that while they sign the front page, staff members review all annexes and attachments, with the chairman conducting a final review. Gatchalian stated that if any items were blank, it would be impossible for the budget to balance.

Gatchalian further assured that neither he nor his team found any blank items, emphasizing the necessity for a balanced budget as a key focus of their evaluation.

Echoing Gatchalian's sentiments, Villanueva asserted that the bicameral conference committee report, which he also signed, was complete. In a separate interview, Villanueva stated that he did not observe any blank items, affirming the improbability of passing a law with such omissions.

Villanueva underscored the difficulty of accepting claims of blank items, noting that the budget would not tally and such a law could not be passed.

The senators' reactions followed claims by former president Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the 2025 budget included items with blank appropriations, suggesting a "blank check" scheme for future allocations. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dismissed these claims as 'lies,' reassuring that the budget was meticulously reviewed with every item clearly defined.