VP SARA DROPS CONFIDENTIAL FUND REQUEST

VICE President Sara Duterte is no longer seeking the P500 million confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for her office under the proposed 2024 national budget.

Senator Sonny Angara, Senate Committee on Finance chairman, said they received a statement from the Vice President that she gave up her request for the confidential intelligence fund.

He said according to the Vice President, the OVP (Office of the Vice President) can only propose a budget to support the safe implementation of its projects, activities, programs (PAPs) to alleviate poverty and promote the general welfare of each and every Filipino family.

“Nonetheless, they will no longer pursue the CIF and the reason why is because it is seen to be divisive and as the Vice President, she swore an oath to keep the country peaceful and strong,” Angara added.

Duterte on Thursday attended the Senate plenary debate for the proposed 2024 budget of the OVP.

The House of Representatives had slashed the OVP’s original budget of P2.378 billion to P1.874 billion, realigning the P500 million intended for the confidential fund to agencies involved in securing national defense.