10 agencies to lose CIF – Quimbo

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) — The House of Representatives has so far identified 10 agencies whose confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) will be adjusted in the proposed budget for 2024.

Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo stressed that the realignment of the funds will prioritize agencies at the forefront of addressing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Patuloy po natin pinag-aaralan, china-chop-chop pa po ang ibang mga pondo sa iba’t ibang ahensya. Patuloy ang pag-rationalize natin ng confidential at intelligence fund,” Quimbo told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Friday.

[Translation: We continue to study it, and we’re chopping up other funds in different agencies. We continue to rationalize confidential and intelligence funds.]

However, Quimbo refused to give details on the 10 agencies which have been identified.

Earlier, the House committed to remove and realign the Office of the Vice President’s and the Department of Education’s CIF amid public pressure.

Vice President Sara Duterte has requested ₱500 million for the OVP's confidential funds and ₱150 million for the DepEd, which she concurrently leads.

“Posible din po idagdag sa ibang other programs na nagkulang din sa pondo sa NEP (National Expenditure Program) 2024,” Quimbo said.

[Translation: It is possible to add these to other programs lacking funds in the NEP 2024.]

A small committee, formed in the lower chamber, will meet on Monday to finalize proposed amendments.

The Marcos administration has proposed a total of ₱10.14 billion in CIF for next year. The bulk of the funds, or ₱4.5 billion, will be allocated to Marcos' office, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman earlier said.

A number of agencies, meanwhile, have not asked lawmakers for confidential funds, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires also said he is willing to do away with confidential funds during his term “if it will only taint the integrity” of his office.

CNN Philippines' digital team contributed to this report.