Marikina City second district Representative Stella Quimbo sidestepped inquiries about the reported blank items in the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed 2025 national budget.
During an ambush interview, reporters attempted to ask Quimbo for clarification on the issue. However, her staff quickly intervened, stating that she needed to leave for another engagement.
Here’s the video from GMA reporter Raffy Tima:
“Nagmamadali lang siya. Nagmamadali lang siya,” the staff told reporters, as Rep. Quimbo walked slowly to her vehicle.
“Sa Monday na lang. Babalik siya,” he added.
Quimbo was the vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations that deliberated on the 2025 budget and was one of the members of the House contingent to the bicameral conference committee.
After Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co stepped down, Quimbo was named the acting chairperson of the said committee.
Several lawmakers confirmed the existence of the blank items in the bicam report, including House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel, and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab. Castro claimed she received a copy of the said bicam report only minutes before it was ratified on December 11.
Manuel, for his part, said he saw a total of 12 blank items affecting the amounts in agriculture-related programs, activities, and projects, and unprogrammed appropriations.
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