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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Fernandez: House won't be distracted, intimidated on confidential funds issue 

Fernandez: House won't be distracted, intimidated on confidential funds issue 

Published Oct 22, 2023 03:50 am

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives will neither be distracted nor intimated by the political noise surrounding the issue of confidential fund, said Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez.

Screenshot_20210722-151507_Chrome.jpgHouse of Representatives (MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House of Representatives will neither be distracted nor intimated by the political noise surrounding the issue of confidential funds. 

Thus, said Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez, who assured the public that the House, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, would remain dedicated to its duties. 

“The House of Representatives is resolute in its determination to serve the Filipino people. We will not be deterred by distractions or intimidation. We recognize our responsibility to the nation, and we will continue to work diligently, regardless of the circumstances,” Fernandez said in a statement Sunday night, Oct. 21. 

The chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety went on to emphasize the importance of focusing on the legislative agenda and not being swayed by external pressures. 

“Our commitment to the people is unwavering. We are here to serve, and our duty to the nation remains paramount. We will not allow political noise to divert our attention from the work that needs to be done,” he underscored. 

The House has recently become the target of intense criticism by former president Rodrigo Duterte following its decision to reallocate P1.23 billion in confidential funds from certain government institutions to security agencies, especially amid escalating tensions with China. 

Via his signature tough talk, ex-president Duterte vehemently rebuked Congress after his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, lost P650 million in confidential funds that she had requested for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2024 national budget. 

The decision to realign the funds was made a by "small committee" in the House composed of Committee on Appropriations Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, appropriations panel Senior Vice Chairperson Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo, Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, and Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.  

Earlier during the House budget deliberations, Vice President Duterte said that her offices could function without confidential funds. 

This statement came after criticism from the Makabayan bloc for the OVP's spending of P125 million in confidential funds in a mere 11 days--averaging roughly P11.36 million daily--in December 2022. 

Aside from OVP and DepEd, the chamber also realigned confidential funds from various other government agencies, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture, which is currently headed by President Marcos. 

Fernandez cited the importance of the House's decision to reallocate the P1.23 billion in confidential funds, redirecting them towards agencies with a strong focus on security. 

"This step underscores our unwavering commitment to reinforcing the programs of the Marcos administration for the improvement of the lives of Filipinos,” he added.

 

Related Tags

dan fernandez Confidential funds House of Representative Rodrigo Duterte Sara Duterte
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