Romulo: House will scrutinize DepEd’s use of 2022 confidential, intel funds

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — The House of Representatives will look into the Department of Education’s (DepEd) use of its confidential and intelligence funds in 2022 to decide whether an allocation for this is still needed in the agency’s 2024 budget, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo said.

“Last year, in the budget hearing, they justified it by saying… there were unwanted elements… So now they've had one year,” Romulo told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday.

He said it’s time Congress asked how the department spent the funds so that lawmakers will have a clearer picture how these were used. This will help them decide whether to retain or reallocate the funds, he said.

The DepEd is seeking ₱150 million for its confidential funds in 2024, the same amount granted by Congress to the department under the 2023 budget.

Amid opposition from some lawmakers, Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte defended her department’s proposal, saying education “is intertwined with national security.”

She did not disclose the breakdown of the budget but stressed there is a guideline on how the government should use the funds.