Realigning confidential funds was no doubt the right thing to do, as shown by the result of a recent survey indicating most Filipinos prefer removing such discretionary funds from civilian agencies with no law enforcement mandate.
“It’s a vindication for all of us in the House of Representatives, to say the least. As you know, we have been the political punching bag of some quarters, specifically Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who did nothing bad, and who only did his job,” House Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Franz Pumaren pointed out.
Pumaren cited results of the survey conducted by pollster OCTA Research, an independent group, where it was shown that a good majority of 72 percent Filipinos were “fully aware” about confidential and intelligence funds.
“As far as we are concerned, this is a crucial and very important gauge for us, and an affirmation that we did the right thing. Moreso, it also encourages us to continue on this righteous path in carrying out what is good for our fellow countrymen. We have the moral high ground,” he added.
The OCTA Research Survey was conducted from September 30 to October 4.
Results showed 57 percent of adult Filipinos “agreed” with the House’s decision to reallocate confidential funds of some civilian agencies to government entities that directly deal with national security concerns like protecting the country from incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
Only a very small 14 percent – or a difference of a very substantial 43 percent – “disagreed” with the decision of the House leadership to remove the total P650 million in proposed CIF in two high government offices.
Among those who agreed, the highest was in Balance Luzon at 75 percent, followed by Metro Manila’s 65 percent, 46 percent from those in the Visayas region and 24 percent from down south in Mindanao.
Among socio-economic groups, 72 percent of class ABC agreed (highest) while 54 percent of class E agreed (lowest).
As for those who objected, data provided by OCTA Research showed the highest concentration was in Mindanao with 26 percent and the lowest was in Balance Luzon at only 10 percent.
Among socio-economic groups, 15 percent of class E disagreed (highest) while 8 percent of class ABC disagreed (lowest).*
