President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed allegations made by former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling his claims about irregularities in the 2025 national budget “lies.” The heated exchange has drawn national attention, with both camps presenting their sides.
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Duterte’s Claims: ‘Blank Check’ Allegation
Former President Duterte recently alleged that the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) had been signed with several items left blank. He equated this to granting the government a “blank check” and declared the budget “invalid and unenforceable.”
During a press conference, Duterte said, “This is like handing over billions without accountability. It’s illegal and dangerous for our country.”
Marcos Fires Back: ‘He’s Lying’
In response, President Marcos refuted Duterte’s accusations, stating:
“He’s lying. He knows perfectly well that such a thing cannot happen. The GAA cannot be passed with blank sections,” Marcos told reporters.
Marcos invited the public to verify the budget’s legitimacy by checking the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) website.
“Look for what they’re calling a blank check. Check if there’s even one blank item. This is all false,” Marcos asserted.
Government Stands Firm Against ‘Fake News’
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin backed Marcos, condemning Duterte’s remarks as “malicious” and urging the public to disregard misinformation.
“This kind of fake news is outrightly malicious and should be condemned as criminal,” Bersamin said, emphasizing the legal and procedural integrity of the 2025 budget.
Public Reactions to the Exchange
Social media platforms have been flooded with mixed reactions from citizens:
- “Marcos has a point. How can a budget pass with blanks? Duterte should clarify this!” one netizen commented.
- “Duterte isn’t the type to make baseless accusations. There might be something we’re not seeing,” said another.
The clash has sparked debates about transparency and accountability in governance, with citizens calling for both leaders to present concrete evidence to support their claims.
Conclusion: A Nation Divided
The allegations and counterclaims between President Marcos and former President Duterte have further polarized the political landscape. While the administration stands firm on the legitimacy of the 2025 budget, Duterte’s statements have reignited questions about transparency in governance.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Statements attributed to individuals are based on verified reports as of January 20, 2025. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
