Philippine lawmakers are debating the 2025 national budget, with concerns raised about potential 'blank budget' provisions. Rep. Stella Quimbo defends the budget process, arguing that time constraints justify the use of omnibus provisions allowing for post-ratification corrections.
Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo has defended the P6.352-trillion 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) against claims of irregularities, particularly allegations of a 'blank budget' or 'blank appropriations'. Quimbo, the acting House Committee on Appropriations chairperson, argued that the urgency to pass the national budget on time justifies not having lawmakers ratify corrections to the bicameral conference committee report before the President signs it.
She explained that a reenacted budget, the consequence of missing the deadline, would hinder economic growth. Quimbo pointed out that approved annual bicameral reports since 2007 have included two omnibus provisions. One provision specifically authorizes technical staff of the House of Representatives and the Senate to make corrections to the document after ratification. These corrections can include typographical and grammatical errors, as well as necessary adjustments like performance indicators and section numbers. The second provision states that in case of conflict between the Conference Committee Report and the printed copy of the bill, the latter prevails. The 'printed copy' refers to the enrolled version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which the President ultimately signs and enacts as the GAA. Critics contend that filling in 'blanks' in the bicameral report is problematic because the printed copy containing the corrections or figures doesn't go through further ratification. Only the bicameral report approved by the House and Senate during the hearings is ratified separately by both chambers. They argue that this process contradicts Congress' responsibility to ensure transparency in the budget. Quimbo, however, countered that the omnibus provisions have been in place since 2007 as safeguards against potential issues arising from budget 'blanks'. She emphasized that lawmakers understand the importance of timely budget passage, as missing the deadline would result in a reenacted budget, which is detrimental to the economy.
PHILIPPINES BUDGET LEGISLATURE TRANSPARENCY REENACTED BUDGET
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
House Panel Chief Affirms 2025 Budget's Validity Amidst 'Blank Budget' ControversyRep. Stella Quimbo, acting chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee, clarifies that the P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 is complete and lawful, addressing claims of 'blank budget' items and emphasizing the budget's validity and enforceability.
Read more »
‘Blank pages’ in 2025 nat’l budget ‘fake news’—BersaminExecutive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dismissed allegations linking Malacañang to the so-called “blank pages” in the 2025 national budget, categorically
Read more »
Blank Items in 2025 Budget Confirmed, but Funding Already Identified, Says QuimboHouse Appropriations Committee acting chairperson Stella Quimbo confirmed the presence of blank items in the bicameral report on the 2025 national budget, totaling P6.325 trillion. However, she assured that funding for these items had already been designated before the report's signing. Quimbo stated that the technical staff from both the House and Senate were authorized to make corrections, which she classified as 'ministerial' or 'calculator activities.' She emphasized that all decisions regarding budget allocations were made by bicameral committee members during the signing process.
Read more »
Lawmaker claims 'magicians' filled up blank spaces in 2025 budget reportMANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker claimed that 'magicians' filled up the blank spaces in the bicameral conference committee report and criticized the response of Malacanang to his allegations as 'off tangent' and 'out of order.' Davao City Third District Rep. Isidro Ungab's statement comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Read more »
Hontiveros on 'blank entries' in 2025 budget: 'Wala akong nakita'Latest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Vic Rodriguez: Lawyers to challenge ‘blank items’ in 2025 budget before SCLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »