President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he has not seen any blank items in over 4,00 pages of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Just last month, I had to read 4,057 pages of the General Appropriations Act of 2025. Because I reviewed it, analyzed, and yes — in parts vetoed it,” Marcos said on the sidelines of the 20th National Convention of Lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Cebu City.

Marcos assured the 2025 GAA underwent a thorough review before it was signed.

“I really am convinced that they simply do not exist because they are not allowed to exist. So for those of you who think that the Presidency is just handshakes and photo ops, I assure you, that fine print is alive in my office as well.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier denied allegations that there are “blank pages” in the bicameral conference committee report on the 2025 national budget.

Bersamin also clarified that the Executive Branch, including President Marcos, had no role in the making of “alleged” blank items in the bicameral conference’s version of the 2025 GAA.