MANILA, Philippines— Expect lawmakers to scrutinize the 2024 national budget, especially now that more agencies are hankering for confidential funds.

“Bakit parang nauso na? Bakit lahat biglang humihingi na ng intelligence fund?” Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito asked on Friday.

(Why does it seem to be becoming a trend? Why is everyone suddenly asking for intelligence funds?)

“So we will ask them during the budget season, for what purpose?” Ejercito added in an interview with Senate reporters.

Tucked in the 2024 national budget proposal is the P10.14 billion confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for select government agencies, including the P4.56 billion for the Office of the President.