The Congress have agreed to reallocate the confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) to ganecies in charged of ensuring national security following the recent actions of China in the West Philippine Sea.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the lawmakers said the agencies that will receive additional funding are the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the National Security Council (NSC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
"Recognizing the rising security threats in the West Philippine Sea and the need to secure top officials, these agencies are better positioned to counteract security threats, protect our territorial waters, and secure the rights and access of Filipino fishermen to traditional fishing grounds," the joint statement read.
The decision to realign the confidential funding "underscores the need to ensure that resource allocation aligns with national priorities and the urgent needs of the citizenry."
Rising security threats
Senate President Migz Zubiri, in a separate statement, approved the decision.
"We have agreed in the Senate to do the same. We also will [be] reallocating funds that we feel are not necessary for the use of certain agencies and allocate them to our Intelligence Community as well as our Coast guard and AFP," Zubiri said in a message to reporters. .
When asked if this includes the controversial confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), Zubiri said they have yet to review all agencies.
On Monday, the Philippines executed a "special operation" to remove a floating barrier installed by China at a prime fishing patch in the South China Sea, a move that could stoke tension after a years-long detente in Asia's most disputed waters.
