OP’s CIF report most detailed, comprehensive among gov’t agencies – Zubiri

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri noted how the confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) report of the Office of the President (OP) was one of the most detailed and comprehensive reports that he has seen.

“I just want to put on record that the CIF or the confidential intelligence fund report of the Office of the President is one of the most detailed and comprehensive reports that I have seen. It is the most detailed among all the other agencies your honor,” Zubiri said.

Senate Committee on Finance chief Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara defended the P10.6-billion budget of the OP during the 2024 marathon plenary session on Thursday, Nov. 9. In particular, he cited the itemized report of the budget’s CIFs.

During the Senate plenary debate, Angara, the main sponsor of the budget, defended the grant of confidential funds to the OP even if it is a civilian office.

Zubiri added that the OP had submitted to the Senate two books detailing each and every item of its CIF.

Zubiri said the disbursements presented by the OP had complete accounts of where the funds were spent; how much was disbursed for tipster operations, for example, or the anti-drug program that led to an apprehension or the filing of a case; and all the pertinent details, which he said was very commendable.

Angara confirmed the Senate President’s statement and concurred with his observation.

“I was there (when the OP budget report was presented), Senator Minority Leader Pimentel and I think Senator Riza was also there, if I am not mistaken. And I confirm that there was great specificity of the report,” Angara said.

Zubiri said the Senate appreciates comprehensive and detailed budget presentations like the OP’s, where it was clearly laid out where the money was spent, how it was spent, and what were the results of the appropriations and allocations.

There has been a recent controversy among lawmakers over the realignment of millions in CIFs for civilian agencies with no national security mandate.

Two offices under Vice President Sara Duterte—the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President—informed senators on Thursday that they will no longer request such special funds.

Senator Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said that he has no problem with the grant of confidential funds to the OP even if it is a civilian office.

Pimentel noted that under a joint circular on the entitlement, release, use, reporting, and audit of confidential and intelligence funds, confidential expenses are expenses related to surveillance activities in civilian government agencies. These are intended to support the mandate or operations of the agency.

“I have no issue with a grant of confidential funds to the Office of the President, a civilian government agency with multi-dimensional, multi-faceted operations, responsibilities, and tasks. I have no problem with the concept of granting (it to the OP),” Pimentel assured.

Angara, quoting an earlier statement of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, said the President is both a user and generator of confidential intelligence information and as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces he needs to make very crucial decisions.

The OP budget was deemed submitted for plenary approval.

The P5.768-trillion proposed budget is the first expenditure plan to be fully developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.