Politics · Philippines Bureau
President Marcos entitled to confidential funds as AFP chief, lawmaker says
A Manila congressman backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s authority to access confidential funds in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The statement came amid Senate calls to restrict such allocations to security and intelligence operations.
LSN Philippines ·
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the constitutional right to maintain confidential funds as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, according to Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante. Abante made the assertion on Monday, defending the executive's discretionary spending authority within the military hierarchy.
The congressman's position challenges recent calls from the Senate finance committee to limit confidential fund allocations strictly to security and intelligence purposes. Senate finance panel chair Senator JV Ejercito had pledged to ensure such funds are designated only for these sensitive operations, signaling potential legislative scrutiny of how the executive branch deploys classified budgets.
The debate underscores an ongoing tension in Philippine governance between executive discretion and congressional oversight of national security spending. Abante's remarks suggest the administration believes the president's military command authority inherently includes access to discretionary confidential resources, a position that may face further discussion in the legislative chambers as the budget process advances.