The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) defended its proposed allocation of P4.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for the Office of the President (OP) on Wednesday, August 7.

This was in response to Kabataan Party-list Representative Raoul Manuel's concerns, expressed during the hearing on the proposed 2025 national budget conducted by the House Committee on Appropriations on August 6.

The President, the Philippine's Commander-in-Chief, is charged with the orchestration of national security as well as foreign relations, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said, and that such an assignment necessitates considerable resources to ensure decisions made are informed, effective, and safeguard the country against internal and external threats.

The OP's CIF has also remained at P4.5 billion since 2022, she pointed out.