Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmaker Challenges Record P4.55 Billion in Secret Presidential Funds
ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio has raised alarm over the proposed allocation of P4.55 billion in confidential and intelligence funds for the Office of the President in the 2027 budget, calling it the largest such allocation in recent memory.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A vocal legislative critic has challenged what he describes as an unprecedented level of secret funding for the presidential office, as lawmakers debate the P7.2 trillion National Expenditure Program for 2027.
ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio flagged the P4.55 billion proposed allocation of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) under the Office of the President, characterizing it as the largest such allocation in the upcoming national budget.
The proposal has drawn scrutiny from transparency advocates who question the scope of discretionary spending within the executive branch. CIF allocations are typically used for intelligence and security operations but operate with minimal public oversight and detailed reporting requirements.
Tinio's challenge reflects ongoing tensions in Congress over executive spending authority and budgetary accountability. The 2027 budget proposal still requires legislative approval, giving lawmakers an opportunity to debate and potentially modify the contested allocations before final passage.