DEMILITARIZED. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. leads the destruction of firearms seized from rebels during a ceremony in Tacloban City on Monday (Oct. 2, 2023). During the event, He reminded local government units not to abuse confidential and intelligence funds amid talks to regulate these down to the local government level. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)
TACLOBAN CITY – Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Monday that while he has no issue with confidential funds distributed among local government units, he urged local executives not to abuse them.
Speaking to reporters here, Abalos reminded LGUs of the rules governing the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) amid talks to regulate the use of this budget down to the local government level.
He said the use of these funds among governors and mayors is guided by laws.
“As long as it’s (CIF) not abused and as long as it is done within the intention of the law which is to fight criminalities, drugs, and extreme violence,” Abalos said.
Abalos made this comment following the proposal of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to regulate the use of CIFs among LGUs.
Zubiri also acknowledged that scrutinizing the confidential fund allotments of LGUs would be challenging because Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, grants fiscal autonomy to towns, cities and provinces.
“The Senate and the House of Representatives passed that law and it’s up to them to refine it or not,” Abalos added.
Meanwhile, the DILG chief said the department’s CIF this year is PHP100 million.
This fund, he said, is used in the anti-criminality campaign of the DILG, particularly the war on drugs, the crackdown on illegal gambling, and even in hunting wanted persons like former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Abalos was in the city to preside over the joint regional task force to end local communist armed conflict and lead the demilitarization of 53 firearms seized from rebels. (PNA)
