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DEBUNKED

January 27, 2025 Camille P. Balagtas 74 views

NO less than former Senate President Franklin Drilon debunked former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claims of irregularities in the 2025 national budget, particularly the alleged existence of blank items in the signed General Appropriations Act (GAA). Drilon emphasized that the final enrolled bill signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was complete and valid.

“Tama po ang Pangulong Marcos doon, mali si Duterte,” Drilon stated in a recent interview at DWIZ.

Drilon, a former Senate President clarified that the enrolled bill, which President Marcos signed into law, is the controlling document and contains no blank provisions.

“Ang dumaan kay Pangulong Marcos ay ang printed copy at yan ang pinirmahan niya kaya valid ang 2025 General Appropriations Act. Wala pong blanko doon,” Drilon clarified.

Drilon, who served the Senate for 24 years, explained that Duterte’s allegations may have stemmed from confusion about the bicameral conference committee (Bicam) report, which consolidates versions of the budget from the House and Senate. According to Drilon, the Bicam report is not submitted to the President but is used as a reference to finalize the enrolled bill.

“Blanko sa bicameral conference committee report hindi pinapadala sa Pangulo yan at hindi inaaktuhan ng Pangulo yan. Ang inaaktuhan niya ang printed enrolled copy,” Drilon elaborated, underscoring the limited role of the President in this process.

Drilon also addressed the alleged anomalies in the Bicam process, stating that any corrections or amendments are made before the final version is printed. “Ang kine-question na blanko, doon po yan sa bicam report. Pero hindi naman po yan umabot sa Pangulo.”

The veteran lawmaker cited the “enrolled bill doctrine,” which establishes that the signed and printed copy of the budget is final and binding. “Ang enrolled version of the bill ito na nga yung printed copy, final version na pinirmahan ng presiding officers: President, Senate President, at Speaker.”

This legal principle respects the legislative process and the separation of powers. Drilon emphasized that it is not within the President’s authority to scrutinize the contents of the Bicam report. “He cannot judge that. He has to rely sa printed copy.”

Drilon laughed off the claims of Duterte as he firmly reiterated that Duterte’s claims were unfounded.

“Walang kasalanan itong Pangulo si PBBM patungkol sa sinasabi nilang issue sa bicam report,” he maintained.

When asked if this matter will be brought to the Supreme Court, Drilon said that since we are a democratic country, Duterte is free to make such a move but he assured that this move will not go anywhere.