The Philippine National Police (PNP) returned ₱500 million of its ₱1.3-billion 2025 intelligence fund to the Office of the President after discovering it was an unnecessary budget insertion allegedly made by former Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the amount was not part of the National Expenditure Program and had no identified purpose in PNP’s operational plans.
The PNP clarified that it only used funds authorized under the General Appropriations Act. For 2026, the PNP’s intelligence fund will drop to ₱806 million—less than half of what was allocated in 2025—though officials assured it remains adequate for core operations.
Lawmakers backed efforts to strengthen the PNP’s intelligence network but raised concerns about transparency and the sufficiency of its funding.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 17, 2025
