Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte reiterated her support for the use of confidential funds by her offices, asserting that those who oppose the allocation of such funds are automatically assumed to have hidden agendas.
Speaking at the 122nd police service anniversary celebration of the Police Regional Office 13 in Butuan City, Duterte emphasized the significance of confidential funds in upholding security, as they enable agencies to address specific challenges by providing essential resources.
“Anyone who attacks or undermines funds allocated for peace and order is naturally assumed to have insidious motivations. Such actions go against the protection and well-being of the citizenry. Those who seek to compromise the security and development of our nation jeopardize the very fabric of our society and hinder our progress,” she said.
“Tandaan ninyo—kung sino man ang kumokontra sa confidential funds ay kumokontra sa kapayapaan. Kung sino ang kumokontra sa kapayapaan ay kalaban ng bayan,” she added.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has requested P500 million in confidential funds for fiscal year 2024. Additionally, the Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Secretary Duterte, has proposed P150 million in confidential funds for the coming year.
Last week, Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, announced that the House of Representatives intends to redirect the confidential and intelligence funds of the OVP, DepEd, and other government agencies to bolster the budgets of intelligence and security forces. This realignment is aimed at supporting those tasked with addressing escalating threats in the West Philippine Sea.
“The country’s safety and security are of paramount importance,” Co said.
“To protect our territorial integrity from external threats, Congress is giving top priority to agencies directly in charge protecting the country’s safety and securing its borders,” he added.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has indicated that the Senate plans to redistribute redundant funds from specific agencies to benefit intelligence agencies, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
When asked if the confidential funds allocated to the OVP and DepEd would be part of this review, Zubiri responded, “We shall review all agencies.”
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