The House of Representatives completed plenary deliberations on the proposed 2027 budgets of several offices under the executive branch, scrutinizing funding for the government’s anti-money laundering, intelligence and national security operations, as well as its peace and amnesty programs.
Among the agencies whose budgets cleared plenary deliberations were the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), National Security Council (NSC), National Amnesty Commission (NAC), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
Under House Bill No. 10858, or the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Bill, the AMLC is allocated ₱144.87 million.
“A significant portion of the proposed funding would support the council’s information and communications technology initiatives.”
AMLC budget sponsor Negros Oriental Representative Maria Isabel Sagarbarria said a significant portion of the proposed funding would support the council’s information and communications technology initiatives, including the development of an in-house artificial intelligence capability and the use of a blockchain analytics platform to trace money laundering involving cryptocurrency.
“By harnessing modern technology, we bolster the AMLC’s ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute these crimes,” Sagarbarria said.
“Lasting peace requires not only the signing of peace agreements but also their sustained implementation, meaningful engagement with affected communities, and investments that address the socio-economic conditions necessary for lasting stability.”
Meanwhile, Butuan Representative Jose Aquino II, who sponsored OPAPRU’s proposed ₱9.30-billion budget, stressed that lasting peace requires not only the signing of peace agreements but also their sustained implementation, meaningful engagement with affected communities, and investments that address the socio-economic conditions necessary for lasting stability.
Aquino also sponsored the proposed ₱266.68-million budget of the National Amnesty Commission, which will support the administration of the government’s amnesty program, including the processing of applications and issuance of amnesty grants, as well as the commission’s institutional requirements.
The House likewise terminated interpellation on the proposed ₱2.86-billion budget of NICA and the ₱1.12-billion budget of the NSC.
House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairperson and Sultan Kudarat Representative Bella Vanessa Suansing sponsored and defended the proposed budgets of both agencies during plenary deliberations.
