House panel proposes stricter CIF rules amid VP Duterte-Carpio allegations

The House of Representatives good government committee is proposing stricter regulations on the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) amid allegations against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Committee Chairman Joel R. Chua stated that lenient rules could lead to misuse, citing Ms. Duterte's utilization of P612.5 million in CIF over two years.

Rep. Chua confirmed the filing of House Bills 11192 and 11193 on Wednesday, which aim to regulate the allocation and utilization of CIFs and specify qualifications for special disbursing officers (SDOs).

HB 11192 restricts CIF allocations to agencies with mandates on national security, peace and order, and intelligence gathering, prohibiting their use for political activities or personal expenses.

The bill also requires agencies to report CIF utilization to the Commission on Audit without compromising confidentiality and proposes that confidential funding be declassified once COA issues a notice of disallowance, making funds subject to inquiries and investigations and documents public.

HB No. 11193 mandates SDOs to be permanent government employees with expertise in accounting, auditing, or finance and have an approved fidelity bond equivalent to their cash accountability.