MANILA – The proposed 2026 national budget has allocated a staggering P12 billion in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) to agencies aligned with or influenced by the progressive Makabayan bloc, marking a dramatic increase from previous years and sparking intense debate over transparency and prioritization. The swell—detailed in the bicameral conference committee’s reconciled General Appropriations Bill (GAB)—comes amid criticisms that such funds, often opaque and prone to abuse, are being redirected to leftist-leaning entities under the guise of “people’s security.”
Key recipients and allocations include:
- Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Bulk of funds for counter-insurgency operations targeting New People’s Army (NPA) remnants.
- National Security Council (NSC) and related agencies: Enhanced intelligence gathering.
- Indirect Links: Portions tied to community development programs in former rebel areas, which Makabayan lawmakers have historically advocated for as alternatives to military approaches.
Progressive lawmakers from Makabayan—known for anti-military stances and calls to abolish CIF in civilian agencies—defended the allocations as necessary for “holistic security,” emphasizing peace-building and socio-economic interventions in conflict zones. However, critics, including budget watchdogs and conservative voices, decried the move as ironic: “Funds meant for national defense now swelling under influence of groups historically critical of the military,” one analyst noted.
The P12 billion figure represents a significant jump, fueled by the administration’s dual-track approach—military operations alongside amnesty and development for surrendering rebels. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pushed for increased CIF to sustain gains against insurgency, with the 2026 GAB totaling P6.793 trillion overall.
Opposition figures called for scrutiny: “Secret funds must not become slush funds—regardless of who benefits,” a senator remarked during bicam deliberations. The final bill awaits ratification and presidential signing, potentially by early January 2026.
This allocation underscores shifting dynamics: From abolition calls to acceptance (or influence) of secret funds, reflecting pragmatic politics in a nation balancing security and social justice.
CIF Allocation Snapshot (2026 Proposed):
| Agency/Cluster | Estimated CIF (P Billion) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DND/AFP/NSC | ~10 | Counter-insurgency focus |
| Related Programs | ~2 | Community development in rebel areas |
| Total Makabayan-Linked | 12 | Surge from prior years |
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