Army denies receiving funds for youth programs cited by DepEd

MANILA — The Philippine Army did not receive any financial support from three government agencies for two youth programs that the Department of Education subsequently cited to account for P15.54 million in confidential fund expenditures, according to testimony presented in proceedings Tuesday. Col. Manaros of the Army stated that his organization had no record of receiving allocations from the Office of the Vice President, DepEd, or the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group for the initiatives in question. The testimony raises questions about the accounting and justification provided for the use of the confidential funds. DepEd has faced scrutiny over the allocation and use of discretionary spending in recent months. The discrepancy between the programs cited by the education department and the funding sources identified by the Army indicates potential discrepancies in government financial documentation and accountability procedures. Further investigation into the matter is expected as oversight bodies review how the confidential funds were allocated and spent.