Manila – The bicameral conference committee, convening for the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) House Bill No. 8980, is considering the restoration of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) proposed PHP300 million confidential funds. Senator Sonny Angara, leading the Senate contingent, highlighted the importance of these funds for enhancing cybersecurity and combating the growing threat of cybercrimes.
According to Philippines News Agency, Angara noted that in the digital age, where consumers heavily rely on online transactions, the absence of robust cybersecurity measures could cripple the economy. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Senator Grace Poe, in charge of DICT’s proposed 2024 budget, regarding the possibility of restoring the fund.
During the Senate’s budget deliberations, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa advocated for an increase in DICT’s budget or the provision of confidential funds. The Senate eventually approved DICT’s PHP9.9 billion proposed budget for 2024, including the confidential funds, but with adjustments making it subject to the Commission on Audit’s scrutiny.
The bicameral conference aims to finalize the PHP5.768 trillion proposed budget for 2024 within two weeks. The target is to have the budget signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before his scheduled trip to Japan in mid-December. The committee’s decision will determine the allocation of funds crucial for the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure and its preparedness against digital threats.
