MANILA — Members of the Philippine House of Representatives on Wednesday stood by their decision to realign confidential funds totaling PHP1.23 billion from various government agencies, asserting that a recent survey supports the move as reflective of public consensus on national security funding priorities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Franz Pumaren cited an OCTA survey which indicated that 57 percent of Filipinos are in favor of the confidential fund realignment to security agencies, viewing it as a validation of the House's actions. Pumaren emphasized the importance of the House's role in allocating funds in a manner that aligns with the welfare of the Filipino people, and the moral imperative to uphold the nation's interest.
The survey, conducted between September 30 and October 4, involved 1,200 adult respondents from across the country, revealed a mere 14 percent disapproval of the reallocation of some civilian agencies' confidential funds to front-line agencies tasked with national security and the protection of the Philippines' territorial rights, especially concerning the West Philippine Sea. The approval rating was highest in Balance Luzon, followed by the National Capital Region, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Occidental Mindoro Lone District Rep. Leody "Odie" Tarriela stated that the survey results bolstered the notion that the House was correct in its realignment strategy, with the majority of Filipinos supporting the decision as representative of the broader public sentiment.
Furthermore, the House appropriations committee chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co expressed satisfaction with the Senate's reported agreement on removing confidential and intelligence funds from civilian agencies, which is seen to align with the House's stance and expected to facilitate a smooth bicameral conference on the 2024 budget.
The reallocated funds will be distributed among several security agencies, with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Transportation for the development of Pag-asa Island Airport among the recipients. This realignment comes amid ongoing discussions and expectations for a streamlined approval of the forthcoming year's budget.