Confidential funds help fight crime, terror – Duterte

VICE President Sara Duterte said confidential funds play a «vital role» in addressing issues such as terrorism, crime and safeguarding the integrity of the nation.

Duterte had come under heavy criticism after a combined P650 million in confidential funds was proposed for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which she also heads.

In her speech at the 122nd Police Service Anniversary rites in Butuan City on Wednesday, Duterte defended the allocation of confidential funds, saying, «In the pursuit of progress, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our citizens and safeguard the peace and order that underpins our society. Let us remember that security and development do not come with a price tag; they are the very essence of a thriving nation.»

She said protecting peace and order as well as education are the «cornerstones upon which a prosperous society is built.»

«We must ensure that our people can go about their daily lives without fear, that our children can receive an education in a safe environment, and that our businesses can thrive without the shadow of insecurity looming over them,» Duterte said.

She also defended the speedy use of confidential funds, noting that it should not be constrained by time and its importance «should not be capped by the importance of protecting citizens based on arbitrary timeframes.»

Duterte said the people who are attacking the secret funds for the OVP and the DepEd have «insidious motivations» that «jeopardize the very fabric of our society and hinder our progress.»

«We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our people and our nation. Makinig kayo sa lahat ng sinasabi sa palibot ninyo at tandaan ninyo, kung sino man kumokontra sa confidential funds ay kumokontra sa kapayapaan. Kung sino ang kumokontra sa kapayaan ay kalaban ng bayan (Listen to what is being said around you, and remember, whoever is against confidential funds is against peace. Whomever is against peace is an enemy of the nation),» she said.

She said that the DepEd's membership in the Anti-Terrorism Council and the Office of the Secretary's membership in the National Task Force to