Rep Quimbo silent on blank line item claims

Acting House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo declined to comment Thursday when asked about alleged blank line items in the bicam report of the national budget.

Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list) confirmed that there were 14 blank spaces in the bicam report, mostly tied to agriculture-related projects and programs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed claims of blank line items on January 20, while the Department of Budget and Management clarified that the bicam report and the final General Appropriations Act (GAA) are separate documents.

Sen. Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa confirmed there were blank spaces in the copy of the bicam report he received, while Sen. Imee Marcos also acknowledged their presence.