Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 7) — Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday the Department of Education (DepEd) needs confidential funds as the sector “is intertwined with national security.”
Duterte, who also heads the DepEd, is seeking ₱150 million in confidential funds.
“Napakahalaga na (It’s very important that) we mold children who are patriotic, children who will love our country and who will defend our country,” she said.
Duterte did not disclose the breakdown of the budget but stressed there is a guideline on how the government should use it.
“Nakalatag doon kung paano siya i-liquidate and by its nature, it’s confidential fund so we cannot discuss kung paano siya ginagamit sa operations,” she said.
[Translation: It’s laid out there how it should be liquidated, and by its nature, it’s a confidential fund so we cannot discuss how we use it in operations.]
The Marcos administration is targeting to have ₱10.14 billion in confidential and intelligence funds next year, ₱4.5 billion of which is proposed to be earmarked for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office.
READ: Marcos admin seeks ₱10.14B in confidential, intel funds for 2024
Some solons, however, were not pleased with the proposed budget, stressing the multibillion-peso allocations must be provided to social services instead.
READ: Lawmakers flag ₱10.14-B confidential, intel funds in 2024 budget
