By Billy Begas
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman expressed belief that it is high time for Congress to establish a clear policy regarding the allocation and utilization of confidential and intelligence funds.
During Tuesday’s budget deliberation in the plenary, Lagman asked House Committee on Appropriations senior Vice-chairperson and Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo if the House of Representatives has a policy on the appropriations of confidential and intelligence funds.
Quimbo replied in the negative.
“If there is no policy, is there a need to formulate that policy considering the level of confidential and intelligence being funds being requested by government agencies to the tune of about P10.2 billion for 2024?” Lagman asked.
Quimbo responded, “At this point in time, perhaps that can be considered, ang dami pong nagtatanong sa atin kung ano ba talaga ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan, kung bakit may mga ahensya na biglang nagsilakihan, ano ba talaga ang patakaran, ano ba talaga ang pamamaraan kung paano i-audit, kailangan bang mag-submit ng resibo, sino ba dapat ang tumitingin sa mga report, napakarami pong tanong, so baka po Madam Speaker panahon na para i-review ng Kongreso ang mga patakaran pagdating sa confidential and intelligence funds.”
Lagman then said that the Appropriations Committee should take the lead in formulating the policy.
“Would the distinguished sponsor spearhead in the committee on appropriations for submission to the House, and to be reflected in the General Appropriations Bill on this particular issue?” Lagman asked.
However, Quimbo said, “that is very a tall order, I don’t think I have the competency for that, I would leave it to the leadership to decide on that matter.”
Lagman said he would initiate some changes on the appropriation of confidential and intelligence funds and “I hope this initiative will be considered by the leadership of the Committee on Appropriations.”
