Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmaker slams 'excessive' confidential funds for justice department
A Philippine lawmaker has called for more prudent budget allocation after the Department of Justice was granted P1.5 billion in confidential funds for 2025. Rep. Antonio Tinio raised concerns about the significant increase during congressional budget hearings.
LSN Philippines ·
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Monday urged the government to exercise restraint in allocating confidential funds to state agencies, citing what he described as an unreasonable budget for the Department of Justice.
During House committee on appropriations hearings for the agency's 2025 budget, Tinio criticized the P1.5 billion allocation in confidential funds, noting a substantial increase compared to previous years. He stressed the need for "reasonable" budgeting practices that would ensure public accountability while maintaining necessary operational security for sensitive government functions.
The lawmaker's remarks underscore ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of how confidential funds are distributed among executive departments. Confidential funds are typically used for covert operations and sensitive activities that require discretionary spending outside normal budgetary transparency requirements.
Tinio's position reflects broader concerns among some legislators about the balance between government secrecy and fiscal transparency. His appeal came as Congress continues deliberations on the 2025 national budget and related appropriations for various departments and agencies.