Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 22) — Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo defended what seems to be a high allocation for intelligence funds for the Office of the President in the proposed 2020 budget.
Under the proposed budget, the Office of the President has a total budget of ₱8.2 billion, with ₱4.5 billion allocated for oversight management on national security concerns.
“You really need money if you want to secure your country, and the Office of the President is one of the better offices that can secure the security of the land,” Panelo said in a press briefing Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the National Defense has a proposed budget of ₱10 million for intelligence funds. The proposed intelligence funds for the Philippine Navy is ₱39.7 million.
Panelo said that should the Defense Secretary run short of funds, he could always ask from the Office of the President.
“The Office of the President can provide funds for that also pag humingi si Secretary of Defense (when the Defense Secretary asks) when it comes to security,” Panelo said, adding funds can be released quickly.
He also defended President Rodrigo Duterte when asked about possible corruption, and said that he is “number 1” when it comes to people who hate corruption.
The total proposed budget for 2020 is ₱4.1 trillion. The budget bill is still pending in both houses of Congress.
READ: Duterte approves proposed ₱4.1 trillion national budget for 2020
