House denies having confidential, intelligence funds

First regular session of the 19th Congress, May 31, 2023. (Screenshot: House of Representatives/YouTube)

By Christine Fabro

The House of Representatives (HOR) on Wednesday, Oct. 11, denied allegations that it has confidential and intelligence funds.

“The House has no confidential and intelligence funds. All line items in our budget are subject to regular accounting and auditing rules and regulations,” Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said in a statement.

“Laging bukas po ang aming libro sa Commission on Audit,” it further read.

This after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said in a media interview that the lower chamber must be transparent in its government expenditures.

According to Velasco, the HOR, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, is “in agreement with former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that government expenditures should be transparent and fully auditable.”

He also clarified that the House has no disallowances based on its last audit report.

“As per latest COA report released only last October 2, the House of Representatives has no disallowances. No notice of suspension and no notice of charge.” – ag

Popular

PBBM orders modular shelters in quake-hit areas instead of ‘tent cities’

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered concerned government agencies to set up modular shelter units instead of tent cities in earthquake-hit areas,...

OP extends P298M financial aid to quake-hit LGUs in Davao, Caraga

By Brian Campued The Office of the President (OP) released a total of P298 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by...

Palace open to SALN transparency, says executive ready to comply

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency Malacañang on Monday expressed support for lifting restrictions on public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities and...

Palace orders implementation of 10-year plan to boost PH creative industries

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet As part of the government’s progressive efforts towards growing the country’s creative industries, Malacañang ordered the widespread adoption of the Philippine...