Alan Peter Cayetano wary about open discussion of defense agencies’ budgets

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Senate PRIB file photo / Albert Calvelo

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano does not see the point in openly deliberating the budgets of defense agencies.

According to Cayetano, it will be easy for groups who want to overthrow the government if defense agencies funds would be available to the public.

“Why is it that we make it so easy for those who want to topple the government to show the budget of the DND (Department of National Defense), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), the PNP (Philippine National Police)?” he asked during the Senate plenary session on Thursday.

He noted that Senate hearings and sessions are covered by the media and streamed on social media where people may “figure out strategically” what the departments have and do not have.

On the other hand, defense departments do not have an idea on the budget of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said Cayetano.

The senator further said that there are several means to hold the military accountable in their budget.

“There are many ways to hold the military accountable to make sure na (that) from intelligence fund, sa isang bala ay pupunta sa bawat pupuntahan (the money will go to where it is set),” he said.

JPV