House bills seek stricter rules on confidential funds

Two bills have been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to impose stricter guidelines on the use of confidential funds for civilian agencies.

House Bill 11192, the Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) Utilization and Accountability Act, proposes that these funds should only be used for national security, peace and order, or intelligence gathering operations.

Disbursements for agency operations not directly related to these purposes, or failure to comply with documentary requirements, will be considered prima facie evidence of misuse.

The measure also revokes the confidential status of secret funds if state auditors flag doubtful spending by issuing a notice of disallowance.

The Head of Agency and the Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) will be held jointly and severally liable for any failure to render accounts, misappropriation, or misuse of funds.

Penalties for SDOs found liable include perpetual disqualification from office and loss of benefits, without prejudice to criminal, civil, and administrative cases.