DBM cites limited intel funds
CONFIDENTIAL funds in the 2025 national budget would be limited to agencies with security and intelligence functions, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“It would be something similar to what happened in the (2024) General Appropriations Act,” Budget Undersecretary Joselito U. Basilio told economic forum on Monday.
Congress realigned P650 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) in this year’s budget to security agencies.
Lawmakers moved confidential funds worth P300 million to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; P100 million to the National Security Council; P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard; and P381.3 million for the development or expansion of an airport on Thitu Island in the South China Sea.
The Budget department is proposing a P6.352-trillion budget for next year, 10.1% higher than this year and equivalent to 22% of economic output. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz