Malacañang defended the utilization of confidential and intelligence funds allocated to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, asserting that the Chief Executive adheres strictly to reporting standards and provides complete supporting documentation.
Speaking at a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that executive spending of these discretionary assets is fully accounted for.
The clarification comes in response to public debate over the Office of the President’s proposed ₱4.56 billion confidential and intelligence fund allocation for 2027, an amount constituting roughly half of the office’s overall annual budget.
Castro stressed that every operational expenditure “is all properly reported.”
Addressing transparency concerns raised by critics, Castro detailed the reporting process followed by the administration.
“atungkol po sa transparency, ang Pangulo po kapag nag-report po iyan, ang Office of the President kapag nag-report po iyan, kahit itanong ninyo po kahit saan, kumpleto po iyan ng report,” Castro said.
“Nagri-report po ito sa Senado, so makikita po nila kung saan ito dinadala. So, iyong transparency na pinag-uusapan natin, very transparent ang Pangulo pero, of course, that’s confidential fund so nandiyan po iyan sa tamang ahensiya,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the Executive department submits detailed and comprehensive submissions during financial reviews, ensuring that no questionable receipts or unsubstantiated logs are used in the process.
Reiterating earlier statements by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the Palace official underscored that as chief executive and commander-in-chief, the President requires these financial tools to manage complex issues affecting national security and public safety.
“At siya po iyong Pangulo, kailangan po niya iyan dahil siya po ang taga-utos kung ano ang dapat gawin para sa seguridad ng ating bansa at ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro remarked, aligning her statements with Recto’s prior justification.