Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 11) — At least two senators said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) must secure confidential funds amid the proliferation of cybercrimes.
This comes after a committee in the House of Representatives decided to realign the budget and strip off ₱300 million from the DICT’s proposed spending for 2024.
READ: Zero confidential funds in 2024 budget for OVP, DepEd, DICT, DA, DFA
Reacting to the move in the lower chamber, Sen. JV Ejercito said on Wednesday that confidential and intelligence funds “are better left with departments or agencies that have something to do with national security and fight against criminality.”
He said he would particularly push for the allocation of confidential funds to the DICT so that it would be better equipped in its campaign against criminal activities in cyberspace.
“Because this also pertains to national security and cybercrime which victimizes thousands everyday especially the more vulnerable in the society. Cybercrime is the new enemy of society,” Ejercito said.
Sen. Joel Villanueva echoed Ejercito’s sentiments, saying he would “fight for DICT confidential funds.”
“After the executive session with DICT officials for hours, I am convinced that we need to empower our cybersecurity measures. Rampant din ang cybercrimes so that’s a no brainer for me,” Villanueva said.
Other departments and agencies that were left with no proposed confidential funds were the Office of the Vice President, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, and Department of Agriculture.
