Survey backs House move on secret funds

AKO Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co said Wednesday that the survey showing more than half of respondents agreed with the House of Representatives' decision to realign confidential funds of several civilian agencies to national security agencies was proof that the chamber's move was right.

«The House Committee on Appropriations welcomes OCTA Research Group's survey showing that the majority (57%) of our fellow countrymen agree with the decision of the House of Representatives to reallocate confidential funds of several civilian government agencies to bolster national security agencies,» panel chairman Co said in a statement.

«Ito po ay isang malinaw na pruweba na tama ang naging hakbang ng Kongreso sa usapin ng confidential funds (This proves that Congress' move on the issue of confidential funds was right),» he said.

«This also proves that the public supports our approach to governance and fiscal prudence as the significant concurrence is compelling evidence that our citizens trust in the Committee's endeavor to enhance the transparency and accountability in national expenditures,» he added.

«Hence, the Committee reaffirms its commitment to responsible stewardship of the nation's finances. We are determined to ensure that our policies not only reflect the will of the people but also reinforce the security and stability of our nation,» he said.

The OCTA Research study was conducted from September 30 to October 4.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Franz Pumaren said the survey vindicated the House.

«It's a vindication for all of us in the House of Representatives, to say the least,» Pumaren said.

Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody «Odie» Tarriela said the 57 percent figure says the House echoed the pulse of the majority.

«We in the House of Representatives welcome the results of the Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research. It fortified our belief that the House leadership did the right thing when it removed the confidential funds of some civilian agencies and transferred them to agencies that have a direct hand in protecting our interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS),» Tarriela said.

The survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of ±3