Philippines eyes amendments to intelligence fund rules amid irregularity concerns

MANILA — Malacañang confirmed Thursday that the regulatory framework for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) is sufficiently clear in its current form, yet acknowledged the need for legislative amendments to address loopholes being exploited by some individuals. The acknowledgment came as the Commission on Audit (COA) presented its concerns during budget hearings before the House Committee on Appropriations this week. The COA has specifically targeted Joint Circular No. 2015-01, which currently governs the management of intelligence and confidential funds across government agencies, for revision. COA officials indicated that while the existing rules establish clear guidelines, resourceful actors have discovered methods to work around the safeguards, necessitating stricter and more comprehensive controls. The proposed amendments would aim to tighten oversight mechanisms and eliminate procedural gaps that have allowed irregular fund disbursements and usage to occur in various government departments and agencies. The developments underscore ongoing government efforts to strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability in how confidential operations and intelligence gathering are financed across the national government.