Confidential Funds💸

 


   Confidential funds, also known as discretionary funds, have been a topic of great public interest and debate. These funds provide a certain degree of flexibility for politicians and public officials to address unforeseen expenses and national interests that require secrecy. In the Philippines, the confidential funds of Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, have stirred controversy and intrigue.  Sara Duterte, vice president of the Philippines, has defended her use of CIF and branded her detractors as "enemies of the state." Law enforcement organizations frequently use the CIF to carry out surveillance and intelligence gathering operations. Due to their alleged connection to sensitive national security issues, these funds are not subject to the usual auditing regulations. Some lawmakers questioned the CIF allocation for an increasing number of civilian agencies during the budget discussions in August and September, including the Department of Education. Another issue was Duterte’s use of CIF in December 2022 because her office was not supposed to have an item for this type of spending. The budget bill sponsor even admitted that Duterte spent her CIF in just 11 days, (Palatino, 2023). 


After the Commission on Audit (COA) announced that the P125 million in confidential funds provided to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) last year had been used in just 11 days, progressive organizations have been harshly critical of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, (News 5, 2023). Sara Duterte, Vice President and Education Secretary, justified the use of confidential money by her agencies, claiming that those who oppose their usage are wrong. During the 122nd anniversary celebration of the Police Regional Office 13 in Butuan City, Duterte emphasized the importance of confidential funding in sustaining security by giving agencies with the resources needed to solve specific difficulties, (Ombay, 2023). 


To ensure effective management and prevent misuse, it is essential to establish transparent protocols, maintain strict adherence to guidelines, conduct regular audits, utilize technology solutions, provide training, and create a supportive legal framework. By implementing these measures, organizations can balance the need for confidentiality with accountability, guaranteeing responsible use of confidential funds in the years to come.




REFERENCES:

Palatino (2023, October 6). Philippine Vice President Defends Use of Confidential Funds.

https://thediplomat.com/2023/10/philippine-vice-president-defends-use-of-confidential-funds/


News 5 (2023, September 26). ‘PATAGONG GASTOS’ | Sara’s OVP spending P125M confidential funds in 11 days alarms groups.

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/patagong-gastos-saras-ovp-spending-p125m-confidential-funds-in-11-days-alarms-groups


Ombay (2023, October 5). Sara Duterte: 'Ang kontra sa confidential funds ay kontra sa kapayapaan'.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/884236/vp-sara-ang-kontra-sa-confidential-funds-ay-kontra-sa-kapayapaan/story/


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