Calls to Redirect Confidential and Intelligence Funds
In the proposed 2026 national budget, the inclusion of confidential and intelligence funds has sparked strong reactions from various sectors. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) urged that all confidential and intelligence funds be removed and instead be allocated to support education and social services. Officials reported concerns that these funds might again be misused as “personal war chests,” undermining public trust and priorities.
Criticism of Proposed Budget Allocations
ACT Chair Vladimer Quetua criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office for requesting a substantial P10.77 billion under confidential and intelligence funds. He condemned the proposal as “pork barrel in disguise,” drawing parallels to the controversial funds previously allocated to Vice President Sara Duterte during her time at the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President.
Community members noted that the vice president’s alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds was among the accusations in her impeachment articles. Although the Supreme Court later declared these impeachment attempts as “unconstitutional,” the controversy remains a point of discussion.
Specifics of the Proposed Funds
The Office of the President is seeking P4.5 billion for intelligence funds in the next year’s budget. However, local leaders highlighted that this allocation may not be justified, as the office lacks a formal mandate for intelligence operations. This request marks the fourth consecutive year the President’s office has sought large sums of secret funds since assuming power.
The Burden on Public Services
Quetua emphasized the stark contrast between the high confidential budget and the everyday struggles of teachers. “Teachers are made to beg for classrooms, textbooks and decent salaries, while billions are handed out as shadow budgets beyond the reach of auditors,” he said. He added that although Marcos denied Sara Duterte her confidential funds, he has secured billions for himself through the same opaque system.
According to ACT, confidential and intelligence funds risk becoming “personal war chests for political patronage and repression,” leaving essential public services to survive on limited resources.
Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability
Transparency advocates warned that these funds are “nearly impossible to audit” because the Commission on Audit only receives general certifications from agency heads rather than detailed, itemized expenditure reports. Quetua questioned the priorities, stating, “The amount [of confidential and intelligence funds of the President] could already construct more than 4,300 classrooms. Is this not a deliberate betrayal of the people’s trust?”
These concerns highlight the ongoing debate over budget transparency and the need to prioritize education and social welfare over secretive allocations.
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