MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed grave concerns over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) inability to clarify how it utilized the PHP 112 million allocated as a confidential fund for the year 2023.
This situation has amplified fears that the initial decision to grant such a significant amount to an agency primarily focused on education, rather than on surveillance activities, was fundamentally flawed.
The senator highlighted that DepEd provided institutional support and a policy rationale for the confidential fund, which was requested by then-Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte.
However, with the agency itself unable to explain how the fund was spent and the former secretary avoiding questions on the matter, doubts about the propriety of the fund’s use have only grown.
Hontiveros emphasized that certain officials within the department cannot simply absolve themselves of responsibility regarding the fund’s usage.
She underscored that if the funds were not utilized correctly, those involved must be held accountable.
The senator called on the Senate Select Committee on Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF), Programs, and Activities to investigate this issue thoroughly.
She also requested an update from the Commission on Audit (COA) on the use of the CIF.
Despite DepEd, under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, not requesting a confidential fund in the proposed 2025 budget, Hontiveros noted that other agencies are still seeking billions in such funds.
Senator Hontiveros concluded by affirming her intent to await the COA’s report on the matter, stressing that Filipinos have the right to know exactly how every peso of public money is spent.
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