Confidential vs intelligence fund : What’s the difference?

Summary

Former Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon discusses her opposition to confidential funds allocated to civilian agencies in the Philippines, citing concerns over transparency and accountability. She argues that these funds are often misused, with unclear regulations and no requirement for receipts. Guanzon advocates for the cessation of such funds, proposing that the money be redirected to vital social services instead. She also highlights the lack of political will to address the issue and calls for greater civic participation through social media to expose corruption. Her anti-corruption movement, *Wag Co Corrupt*, aims to raise awareness and push for reform.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confidential funds in the Philippine government are a point of controversy, especially when allocated to civilian agencies that don't require them for national security purposes.
• 😀 Rowena Guanzon, former Commissioner at the Commission on Audit (COA), is a vocal critic of these funds, arguing they lack transparency and accountability.
• 😀 Confidential funds are primarily used for intelligence and military purposes but have increasingly been allocated to civilian agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
• 😀 Guanzon emphasizes that the rules for auditing confidential funds are vague, making it difficult to track how they are spent or whether they are misused.
• 😀 Critics argue that with the country facing high levels of debt, confidential funds should be eliminated or repurposed for more pressing social needs like healthcare and education.
• 😀 The Commission on Audit (COA) is supposed to audit confidential funds, but there are concerns about the clarity of the liquidation rules and whether the funds are being properly scrutinized.
• 😀 Guanzon proposes that confidential funds should be stopped completely and reallocated to public welfare programs, including assistance for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
• 😀 The lack of transparency in the use of confidential funds has led to accusations of corruption, but there have been no major cases of officials being held accountable for misuse.
• 😀 A nationwide anti-corruption movement called 'Wag Co Corrupt' is being launched, aiming to put an end to the misuse of confidential funds and advocate for more transparency in government spending.
• 😀 Social media, particularly Facebook, is being used as a platform to organize and raise awareness about the misuse of government funds, providing citizens with tools to scrutinize and demand accountability from public officials.

Q & A

What is the main criticism of confidential funds discussed in the interview?

The main criticism is the lack of transparency and accountability regarding how confidential funds are spent, especially within civilian agencies, and the vague liquidation rules that make it difficult to track or audit the funds properly.

Why does Rowena Guanzon believe that civilian agencies don't need confidential funds?

Guanzon argues that civilian agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Transportation (DOTr), do not require confidential funds as their core functions are not related to intelligence activities. The funds could be better spent on social services and public welfare.

How does Guanzon suggest reallocating confidential funds?

Guanzon proposes reallocating the money from confidential funds to more urgent needs, such as improving social services, supporting state universities and hospitals, or providing monthly assistance to persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

What is the stance of the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding confidential funds?

The COA audits confidential funds, but due to vague rules on liquidation and lack of clear receipts, it is often difficult to ensure that the funds are being spent appropriately. Guanzon believes that COA has not done enough to disallow questionable use of these funds.

What does Guanzon think about the political aspects of confidential fund allocations?

Guanzon believes that the allocation of confidential funds is politically driven, with the funds being used for political purposes rather than public welfare. She criticizes how local government units (LGUs) and high-ranking officials often benefit from these funds.

What specific issues are raised regarding the legal status and use of confidential funds?

The legal issues involve the unclear regulations surrounding the use and liquidation of confidential funds, which complicates accountability. There are concerns that the funds may be misused by public officials without proper oversight or consequences.

What is Guanzon’s position on the necessity of intelligence funds for peace and order?

Guanzon dismisses the argument that confidential funds are necessary for maintaining peace and order. She believes that intelligence funds should be specifically allocated for intelligence activities, not for general peacekeeping purposes in local government operations.

What movement does Rowena Guanzon announce during the interview, and what is its purpose?

Guanzon announces the launch of the 'Wag Co Corrupt' anti-corruption movement, which aims to protest the misuse of confidential funds and promote greater transparency in government spending, particularly in the allocation of these funds.

How does social media play a role in Guanzon’s anti-corruption campaign?

Social media, especially Facebook, plays a key role in Guanzon’s campaign by allowing people to mobilize and raise awareness about the misuse of confidential funds. The campaign encourages citizens to share information and get involved in holding public officials accountable.

What are Guanzon’s views on the use of confidential funds during the Marcos administration?

Guanzon acknowledges that confidential funds have been used since the Marcos era, with some funds even being used for personal expenses like financing travels. She agrees with claims that such funds breed corruption, citing historical misuse.