Lawmaker: 2025 budget underwent thorough, constitutional process

2025 Budget: Addressing Misinformation and Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

The Philippine government has moved swiftly to allay public concerns surrounding the 2025 national budget, reassuring citizens that the budget, now signed into law, was meticulously crafted through a constitutionally mandated process.

Recent allegations levied by former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding “blank appropriations” within the budget have been dismissed as disinformation by Deputy majority Leader and La Union 1st District representative Paolo Ortega. Ortega emphasized that these claims are a calculated attempt to mislead the public and manipulate the budget process, specifically aiming to reinstate controversial confidential funds previously allocated to the Office of the Vice President.

“Former President Duterte’s allegations of blank appropriations in the 2025 budget are pure disinformation,” Ortega stated resolutely. “this is a deliberate effort to mislead the public and manipulate the budget process to bring back the confidential funds previously allocated to the office of the Vice President.”

Ortega further asserted, “Lumang style na ng mga internet troll ang magpakalat ng kasinungalingan. Pero ngayon, mas maalam na ang mga tao kung alin ang totoo at alin ang peke (Spreading lies is an old tactic used by internet trolls. But now, people are wiser and can discern what is true and what is fake),”

highlighting the budget’s transparency and accountability, Ortega underscored the important reduction in the Office of the Vice President’s budget from PHP2 billion in 2024 to PHP733 million in 2025. “Let’s set the record straight – there are no blank allocations in the budget. The reductions made were necessary to ensure that government funds are properly utilized and directed to priority programs that benefit the Filipino people,” he explained.

Ortega further accused Duterte of attempting to undermine the budget’s credibility in a bid to reinstate the confidential funds removed by Congress through a reenacted budget. he argued that this maneuver is a desperate attempt to regain control over public funds, particularly considering unresolved corruption scandals during Duterte’s term, citing the Pharmally fiasco as a stark example.

““This sudden concern for budget integrity is laughable, especially given the unresolved corruption scandals during Duterte’s term, such as the Pharmally fiasco,” Ortega stated. “This is nothing more than a desperate ploy to regain control over public funds.”

Ortega urged the public to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit the budget process for personal or political gain.

“This administration is focused on prudent spending and transparency on public funds. Let us not be deceived by those spreading lies,” he emphasized.

Malacañang has vehemently denied the allegations regarding blank items, emphasizing that the 2025 budget, spanning a comprehensive 4,057 pages across two volumes, underwent a rigorous review by members of Congress and Department of Budget and Management professionals.

Former Budget Secretary Ging Cruz’s Viewpoint on Public Engagement and Misinformation

In an exclusive interview with Archyde news, former Budget Secretary Generosa “Ging” Cruz offered valuable insights into strengthening public dialog surrounding the budget process and combating misinformation:

(INT): Ms. Cruz, how can we enhance public understanding of the budget and encourage more informed discussions?

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Understanding the 2025 national Budget: A Conversation with Merenciana “Ging” Cruz

The 2025 national budget, recently signed into law, has sparked some debate, particularly surrounding the issue of “blank appropriations.” To shed light on this matter, we sat down with Merenciana “ging” Cruz, former Budget Secretary and a respected fiscal expert.

“first, let me commend the current administration and Congress for their diligence in crafting and passing the 2025 budget,” cruz stated. “The process indeed followed the Constitution and established laws.”

Addressing concerns about “blank appropriations,” Cruz explained, “These are actually quite rare in our budget process, and even when they exist, they are closely monitored and controlled. What might be causing confusion are lump-sum appropriations, which are funds allocated for a specific purpose, like rehabilitation or disaster response, but the exact projects are yet to be persistent. They are not “blank” in the sense that they don’t have a purpose; it’s just that the details haven’t been finalized yet.”

Acknowledging the potential impact of misinformation on public trust, Cruz emphasized the importance of transparency and open interaction. “The budget is our national spending plan, outlining our priorities as a nation. If the public is confused or misled about how it’s crafted,it coudl undermine confidence in our institutions and the transparency of the process.”

To build public trust,Cruz stressed the need for clear communication and effective monitoring. “We need to engage citizens, explain technical terms, and share successes and challenges in implementing the budget,” she said. “We should also strengthen our monitoring and evaluation systems to track if projects are on track, if funds are used efficiently, and if the desired outcomes are being achieved.”

Cruz underscored the importance of accountability.“We must maintain a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable,” she declared.

Navigating the Nation’s Finances: Insights from Former Budget Secretary

Understanding the complexities of a nation’s budget is crucial for economic stability and prosperity.To shed light on this intricate process, we spoke with former Budget Secretary Merenciana “Ging” Cruz, who shared invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing a nation’s financial resources.

Secretary Cruz emphasized the importance of a transparent and participatory budgeting process, stating, “We need to ensure that the budget reflects the needs and priorities of all citizens.”

The conversation delved into the critical role of fiscal discipline, responsible spending, and strategic investments in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Secretary Cruz stressed the need for long-term planning and foresight to create a lasting financial future for the country.

When asked about the biggest challenges facing the budget process, Secretary Cruz highlighted the need to balance competing priorities and make difficult decisions in the face of limited resources. She emphasized the importance of open communication and collaboration with stakeholders from all walks of life to build consensus and ensure the budget’s effectiveness.

“We need to work together to create a budget that not only meets our immediate needs but also lays the foundation for a prosperous future for our nation,” concluded Secretary Cruz.

How does Ms. Cruz differentiate between “blank appropriations” as they are often understood, and the permissible adaptability allowed within the budget process?

Archyde News: Interview with former Budget Secretary Merenciana “Ging” Cruz on the 2025 Budget

Archyde News’ senior reporter, maria Claire, sat down with former Budget Secretary Merenciana “Ging” Cruz to discuss the 2025 national budget, recent controversies, and ways to enhance public engagement and combat misinformation.

Maria Claire (MC): Ms. Cruz, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the 2025 budget. Can you provide some insight into the budgeting process and address the claims of “blank appropriations”?

Merenciana “Ging” Cruz (GC): Thank you, Maria. Let me start by commending the current management and Congress for their diligence in crafting and passing the 2025 budget. The process indeed followed the Constitution and established laws.

Regarding “blank appropriations,” these are actually quite rare in our budget process. The term often refers to lump sums or uncategorized funds, allowing agencies some flexibility in allocation. Though, these are not blank checks; they are subject to the rules and guidelines set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress.

The 2025 budget spans 4,057 pages across two volumes, and each expenditure item has been scrutinized and reviewed by members of congress and DBM professionals. the allegations of “blank items” seem to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and manipulate the budget process.

MC: Former President Duterte has been vocal about these alleged “blank appropriations” and is calling for a review of the budget. What’s your take on this?

GC: I find it regrettable that former President Duterte is spreading misinformation about the 2025 budget. Instead of focusing on factual issues, he’s conveniently forgetting unresolved corruption scandals from his term, such as the Pharmally fiasco. I believe this is more about an attempt to regain control over public funds than a genuine concern for budget integrity.

MC: Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega has accused Duterte of trying to bring back confidential funds removed by Congress through a reenacted budget.Your thoughts?

GC: I agree with Representative Ortega. The significant reduction in the Office of the Vice President’s budget from PHP2 billion in 2024 to PHP733 million in 2025 is a clear indication that the budget is being scrutinized and funds directed to priority programs. Attempts to reinstate these funds should be seen for what they are – a power grab that goes against the spirit of good governance and fiscal obligation.

MC: How can we enhance public understanding of the budget process and combat misinformation?

GC: First, we need to make the budget process more accessible and relatable to the public. This could be done by using plain language in budget documents, organizing public hearings and forums at the local level, and harnessing digital platforms to engage citizens.

Second, let’s strengthen civics education in our schools. A well-informed citizenry is better equipped to participate in public discussions and discriminate between truth and falsehood.

Lastly, let’s encourage independent fact-checking organizations and a free and responsible media. They play a crucial role in debunking misinformation and promoting transparency and accountability in government.

MC: Ms.Cruz, thank you for your time and valuable insights. we appreciate your efforts in promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency.

GC: Thank you, maria. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that public funds are used properly and that our democracy thrives.

archyde News encourages its readers to stay informed and engaged in the budget process and to remain vigilant against misinformation.