House Leadership Plans Realignment of Confidential and Intelligence Funds in Proposed National Budget for 2024
Marikina City 2nd district Representative Stella Quimbo has revealed that at least 10 government agencies will be affected by the House leadership’s planned realignment of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) in the proposed P5.768-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or national budget for 2024.
In an interview on Friday, September 29, Rep. Quimbo, who serves as the senior vice chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, did not provide specific details regarding the affected agencies. “As of now, 10 agencies will be affected,” she stated.
Rep. Quimbo also mentioned that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) will have their confidential funds scrapped, as previously announced by Chairman Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co. The OVP and DepEd, both under Vice President Sara Duterte, currently have a combined confidential funds allocation of P650 million under the 2024 GAB.
It remains unclear whether the 10 agencies solely consist of CIF donors or if recipient agencies are also included. “But in truth, we continue to study it, we’re chopping up the other funds of the different agencies. We continue to rationalize confidential and intelligence funds,” Rep. Quimbo explained.
On Wednesday morning, September 27, House leaders from various political parties released a joint statement announcing their collective decision to reallocate CIFs from civilian agencies to those responsible for intelligence and security. This move aims to address the escalating threats in the West Philippine Sea.
The 2024 GAB was approved by the House on its third and final reading during a plenary session on Wednesday night.
