Congress mulls abolishing GOCC intelligence funds

MANILA, Philippines—Congress is now looking at abolishing the intelligence funds of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) amid alleged questionable and misuse of the said funds.

“Ang sentiment ngayon [The sentiment now] is not to allow appropriation of intelligence funds to GOCCs like Pagcor, PCSO and the like,” said Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate select oversight committee on intelligence funds, programs and activities.

Pagcor is Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation while PCSO is Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Lacson said this sentiment was reflected at how members of the House of Representatives questioned the appropriation of intelligence funds to entities that were not involved in law enforcement.

“And even in the Senate, mukhang yun ang nabubuo [the same is brewing],” the senator told reporters on Wednesday.

Lacson himself believes that intelligence funds should only be allowed for operating agencies like the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Customs.

But asked how Pagcor, for instance, could protect itself against foreign gambling syndicate, the senator said, “They can always tap the services of NBI (National bureau of Investigation) or the PNP to do it for them.”

Lacson said Congress has the power to amend the charter of the GOCCs and abolish the intelligence funds, which were allegedly abused by the past administration.