Debunking the “Blank Check” Controversy: The Truth Behind the 2025 National Budget

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The 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has found itself in the eye of a storm, with allegations of mismanagement and so-called “blank checks” making rounds in both traditional and social media. Spearheading this claim is a former president, who alleges that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the national budget with unspecified or unallocated portions, opening the door for unchecked government spending. However, the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) has swiftly dismantled these claims, calling them baseless and malicious.

This controversy not only raises questions about the integrity of the budget process but also highlights the urgent need to combat fake news and misinformation in public discourse.

Official Statement: Setting the Record Straight

Lucas P. Bersamin, Executive Secretary, issued a detailed statement addressing the allegations and reinforcing the transparency and legality of the budget process. Here are the key highlights:

A Thorough Review Process

Contrary to claims of negligence, the 2025 GAA underwent rigorous scrutiny. Every page—4,057 in total, spanning two volumes—was carefully reviewed by the professional staff of Congress and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The government assures the public that no portion of the budget was left unallocated or unaccounted for.

Public Access to the Budget

To uphold transparency, the entire 2025 GAA is publicly available on the DBM’s official website. Citizens, organizations, and watchdogs are encouraged to verify its content for themselves, promoting accountability at all levels.

Condemning Misinformation

Bersamin called the “blank check” allegations a deliberate act of spreading fake news, describing it as not only misleading but criminal in intent. The statement urged the public to reject such claims and emphasized that these falsehoods erode trust in institutions.

Legal and Procedural Safeguards

It is legally impossible for any national budget to include blank or unallocated items. Each program, activity, or project undergoes extensive checks before the budget is enacted, leaving no room for discretionary or unauthorized spending.

The Public Backlash and the Fight for Truth

While supporters of the administration have lauded the government’s transparency, critics remain skeptical, viewing this as a symptom of broader governance challenges. This controversy underscores the dangers of misinformation and the significant role of communication in maintaining public trust.

The allegations have also reignited debates about governance, with critics pointing to systemic issues that go beyond the current administration. On the other hand, defenders argue that the government's public-access approach to the budget proves its commitment to transparency.

Why This Matters

At its core, the national budget is more than just numbers; it represents the government’s priorities, programs, and vision for the Filipino people. Allegations like these, whether true or false, can shake public confidence and disrupt progress. That is why transparency, accountability, and factual reporting are non-negotiable in matters of national importance.

In response to these challenges, the government is urging citizens to consult official sources, such as the DBM’s website, to verify claims and counteract the spread of misinformation. As Lucas Bersamin pointed out, safeguarding the truth is a collective effort, one that requires media, citizens, and government institutions to work together.

Beyond the Budget: A Call for Unity

This incident serves as a wake-up call not just for the administration but for the Filipino people as a whole. It highlights the importance of vigilance against fake news and the need for responsible journalism and fact-checking.

As the nation moves forward, the focus must remain on addressing the pressing issues that truly matter—strengthening disaster response, boosting the economy, and ensuring that every peso in the budget translates to progress for every Filipino.

Conclusion: Transparency is Key

The 2025 GAA controversy underscores the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and public trust. By making the budget accessible and reinforcing legal safeguards, the government has taken significant steps to ensure that the national budget is not only a document of numbers but a testament to its commitment to serve the Filipino people.

In this age of misinformation, the fight for truth is as important as the fight for progress. It is up to every Filipino to be vigilant, informed, and united in holding both the government and those spreading falsehoods accountable. Let this controversy be a lesson—and a reminder—of the power of truth and the value of transparency in building a better nation.

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