President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. categorically disproved statements made by former president Rodrigo Duterte about empty items in the national budget, calling these accusations false and misleading. Speaking at a press conference in Taguig, Marcos did not hold back in his response to Duterte, who indicated deficiencies related to the General Appropriations Act (GAA) involving Isidro Ungab from the third district of Davao. "He lies. Here is how I can prove what I say is true," Marcos said. In a video posted on Duterte's official Facebook page, Deputy Ungab pointed out that some sections of the budget, particularly those related to the Department of Agriculture, do not contain figures and may potentially reach billions of pesos. Duterte, in his remarks, criticized proposed omissions, referring to the report of the bicameral committee as inaccurate and unworkable. "He lies," Marcos said. The president emphasized that it is impossible to assert any budget point without clear details on projects and their financing. "In the history of the Philippines, there was never a point allowed in the General Appropriations Act without specifying the project, costs, and finances. That's a lie," Marcos stated. He also called for the public to verify these claims by checking documents at the Department of Budget and Management. "Look, do not analyze each point in isolation. This is not merely an oversight, I think that the entire budget is unworkable. You cannot leave empty spaces like this with the people's money," Duterte stated. "Just find so-called 'empty' checks, about which they talk. "You see, with empty items you cannot push the General Appropriations Act. He was a former president. Look if there is even one there."