MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the restoration of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) information technology (IT) budget, following significant cuts in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The President also instructed the removal of additional intelligence funds added to the PNP’s budget.
In a press briefing on Tuesday (21 Jan 2025), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that several crucial PNP IT projects were heavily reduced. These included:
National Police Clearance System: From PHP600 million to PHP232 million
Safe Camp Security System: From PHP472 million to PHP161 million
PNP Drug-Related Data Integration System: From PHP533 million to PHP196 million
While these vital programs faced budget slashes, nearly PHP1 billion was allocated for All-Terrain Amphibious Vehicles in the Bicol Region, and an additional PHP500 million was added to the PNP’s intelligence fund.
In response, President Marcos instructed Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to revert the IT budget to its original amount and remove the extra PHP500 million in intelligence funds. This decision will allow for the reallocation of funds to strengthen the 911 emergency hotline system.
Remulla noted that the additional intelligence funds were not part of the original congressional budget discussions and were added without prior consultation, prompting the removal.
ia/mnm
