MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed deep concern over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) reported lack of awareness regarding the utilization of its P112 million confidential fund for 2023. In a recent statement, she highlighted the problematic nature of allocating such a significant budget to an agency focused on education rather than surveillance.

“This only confirms what many of us have feared—that the allocation of such a significant budget to an agency mandated for education, not conducting surveillance, was misguided from the start,” Senator Hontiveros remarked.

Senator Hontiveros further criticized the DepEd for its inability to account for the fund’s usage, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the agency under the leadership of then-Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte.

“DepEd provided institutional backing and policy justification for the Confidential Fund requested by then Secretary, VP Sara Duterte. Kung ang kagawaran mismo, hindi maipaliwanag kung paano ginamit ang confidential fund, at ang dating kalihim ay umiiwas sa pagsagot tungkol dito, mas lalong nadaragdagan ang duda,” she stated.

The senator also stressed that DepEd officials cannot simply absolve themselves of responsibility when it comes to the use of the confidential fund.

“Hindi pwedeng maghugas kamay ang ilang opisyal ng ahensya sa usapin ng paggamit ng confidential fund. Kung hindi ito nagamit ng tama at wasto, mananagot din ang sinumang may partisipasyon sa paggamit nito,” Hontiveros warned.

In light of these concerns, Senator Hontiveros called on the Senate Select Committee on Confidential, Intelligence Funds (CIF), Programs, and Activities, as well as the Commission on Audit (COA), to thoroughly investigate the matter. She emphasized the need for increased scrutiny, particularly as budget proposals for 2025 are being considered, and reaffirmed the public’s right to know how government funds are being spent.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB