The Department of Justice’s confidential funds for 2025 have increased nearly tenfold compared to previous years, prompting ACT Representative Antonio Tinio to question the justification for the ballooning allocation. This significant increase in confidential funds raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public money, especially for Quezon City residents who are taxpayers and rely on the DOJ for justice and security. The exact figures and breakdown of the DOJ’s confidential funds have not yet been disclosed. Tinio’s query highlights the need for a detailed explanation from the DOJ on how these funds will be utilized.
Background
Confidential funds in the Philippines are allocations for intelligence-gathering activities that are exempt from normal auditing procedures. They have been a subject of scrutiny, particularly in light of the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte involving alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Source: Rappler