Makabayan Warns as Secret Funds Swell to Nearly ₱12 Billion in 2026 Budget

A coalition of progressive lawmakers under Makabayan has raised alarm over what it described as a sharp expansion of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in the proposed 2026 national budget, warning that the allocations may weaken transparency and accountability in government spending.

According to the group, confidential and intelligence funds across multiple agencies could reach ₱11.87 billion—nearly ₱12 billion—under the bicameral-approved version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, now awaiting the signature of Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

Where the funds are concentrated

Makabayan noted that a significant portion of the CIF increase is concentrated in the Office of the President (OP), which would receive a combined ₱4.56 billion in secret funds—representing a large share of the government’s total confidential allocations.

Beyond the OP, several agencies also received substantial increases in their CIF budgets, including:

• Department of Justice – nearly ₱730 million

• Department of the Interior and Local Government – about ₱301 million

• National Bureau of Investigation – over ₱300 million

• Bureau of Customs – increased confidential allocations

The coalition stressed that these funds are not subject to the same public audit mechanisms as regular appropriations, making scrutiny difficult.

Transparency concerns

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc warned that CIFs, by design, are shielded from itemized disclosure, creating potential blind spots in public oversight.

They emphasized that while security and intelligence operations are necessary, unchecked growth in secret funds risks undermining transparency—especially at a time when social services such as education, healthcare, and agriculture continue to face funding constraints.

The coalition also pointed out that intelligence funds saw notable growth compared to the original National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by Malacañang, suggesting major changes during the bicameral deliberations.

Aid programs also expand

Aside from CIFs, Makabayan flagged significant increases in “soft” aid programs implemented at the discretion of lawmakers, including:

• Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS)

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs

• Medical assistance programs under the Department of Health

Some of these allocations more than doubled compared to the original budget proposal, raising further concerns about politicized spending.

Government response and next steps

Supporters of the budget have argued that safeguards exist and that confidential funds are essential for national security and law enforcement operations. Malacañang has yet to issue a detailed response to the Makabayan bloc’s critique.

President Marcos is expected to decide on the 2026 budget in the coming weeks. Once signed, the allocations will take effect at the start of the next fiscal year.

As debates continue, watchdog groups and legislators alike are calling for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds—especially those shielded from full disclosure—are used strictly for their intended purposes.