AN opposition lawmaker is pushing Congress to make a thorough review of the intelligence and confidential funds of government agencies, especially government-owned and controlled corporations, before it starts deliberating on the 2012 budget.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano said that Congress should determine whether or not a department or  an agency should   be given intelligence or confidential funds.

“The purpose of the inquiry is to find out whether a specific department or agency should be allotted intelligence funds. If yes, we have to know if there is proper disbursement of public funds,” Albano said.

According to the solon, there are agencies that don’t need intelligence or confidential funds.

Earlier, it was reported that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office spent P325 million in  intelligence funds from 2008 to 2010. Portions of the funds were used to bolster government’s campaign against the illegal numbers game and for other purposes.

Albano also said there are some agencies that provide intelligence funds to the military and police which actually have their own budget for the purpose.

“Congress might as well strip these agencies, if there are any, of intelligence funds and give the money to the military, the police and other law enforcement agencies which do actual  intelligence work for peace and order and national security,” Albano said.

He said, other government agencies should let the military and police handle any issue of national security.

“In case different departments or GOCCs have security concerns, all they have to do is seek the help of law enforcement agencies. If needed, the President can also release intelligence fund for such operations of departments  or GOCCs,” Albano said.  However they should first justify their proposed intelligence and confidential funds before the House Committee on Appropriations.

He said the Commission on Audit should strictly monitor the disbursement of intelligence or confidential funds and make sure that somebody will be held accountable for the release of the allocations.