Facade of the Senate of the Philippines building. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday denied circulating claims that it has a P331 million confidential fund this year.
“These social media posts have been deliberately misleading and maliciously presented by some personalities seeking to defame and tarnish the reputation of an institution that is currently taking a long, hard look at the nature of confidential and intelligence funds and the government agencies that earn them. said Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr.
“The Senate has no allocation for confidential funds for 2023,” he added.
Bantug pointed out that based on data, the Senate’s maintenance and other operating expenses in 2023 have three items: confidential expenses, intelligence and extraordinary expenses.
Bantug said the extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses have an item of P331.9 million, but the confidential and intelligence item has none.
“Under the past Senate leadership, the Senate confidential fund allocations amounted to P100 million in 2020, P100 million in 2021 and P50 million in 2022. But all these funds were never used and were completely returned to the National Treasury. said Bantug.
The official also revealed that Zubiri is “firm in his belief” that the Senate “does not need confidential funds.”
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