Part of OP’s confidential, intel budget will be for anti-drugs, anti-terror programs — Zubiri

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri —Senate PRIB file photo

MANILA, Philippines — After reviewing the proposed confidential and intelligence funds of the Office of the President (OP), lawmakers discovered that a portion of these funds will be used for anti-drugs, anti-terrorism, and anti-trafficking programs.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed this in a press conference held Wednesday afternoon.

“Earlier we reviewed the [proposed confidential and intelligence budget] of the Office of the President. When we reviewed the [budget] of the OP, most of it – I’m only allowed to say a few things, most of what we saw [are] actually in aid of anti-drugs, anti-human trafficking, anti-terrorism, and dealing with informants,” said Zubiri who also sits as the chairperson of the Senate’s special committee on intelligence and confidential funds, programs and activities.

“Things like that, which I think [are] important. We really need [those],” said Zubiri in a mix of English and Filipino.

Citing the guidelines and rules of the Senate’s special panel on secret and intelligence funds, Zubiri said he is not allowed to disclose any other information pursuant to his duty to protect the confidential information.

To provide context, the OP is requesting a P10.707 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Hidden in this proposed allocation is P4.56 billion in confidential and intelligence funds.

The House of Representatives’ appropriations committee on Tuesday approved this proposed budget in less than an hour.

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JPV