BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has proposed a confidential fund of P20 million for next year.
“I think it was P18 million in previous years. It is around P20 million for the 2024 budget,” he said during a press conference at the City Mayor’s Office yesterday.
The fund would be used for the operation and other needs of the city police, “including rewards for successful police operations.”
Is P20 million enough?
“As of now, the amount seems adequate…We’ve been supporting the police (for years)…this will continue into next year,” said Treñas.
In a previous interview, the city mayor said he wouldn’t mind if confidential funds were removed.
The debate surrounding confidential funds has grown more heated recently, particularly as several national government agencies, including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, have proposed substantial confidential budgets.
While local government units (LGUs) are allowed to have confidential funds, Treñas said “it’s not something I’m willing to die for.”
However, he cautioned that the city would face challenges, especially with the resurgence of illegal drug activities.
“These funds are utilized for illegal drug operations, the reward system, and intelligence gathering,” Treñas explained.
He added: “There’s a basis for this amount, as it shouldn’t exceed 30 percent of the total budget for peace and order. In our case, it doesn’t even reach 30 percent.”/PN
