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False Claims About Presidential Confidential Funds Circulate on Social Media
A viral social media post falsely attributing statements about presidential confidential funds to a government official has been spreading misinformation online, garnering tens of thousands of reactions and shares since February 13.
The fabricated quote card from “Pinoy Celebrity News” features Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro alongside an alleged statement claiming, “Confidential fund po ito kaya hindi kailangan ng resibo” (These are confidential funds and they don’t require receipts).
According to the post’s caption, Castro was supposedly referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s confidential fund allocation, which the post incorrectly claimed amounts to P1 billion. The post further alleged these funds were being used for overseas trips to secure investments for the Philippines.
Fact-checking reveals no credible source for these statements. A thorough review of the Presidential Communications Office website shows no recent press briefings where Castro made such remarks about confidential funds not requiring documentation or being beyond public scrutiny.
The fabricated statement has fueled public debate, with many commenters drawing comparisons to Vice President Sara Duterte and previous controversies surrounding her use of confidential funds. Some social media users argued that if receipts weren’t required for the President’s expenditures, the same standard should apply to the Vice President’s case.
In reality, Castro’s verified statements about confidential funds differ significantly from what’s being attributed to her. During an August 14, 2025, briefing, she actually stated, “Ang tandaan po natin, ang confidential funds o ang pera ay hindi naman masama kung ginagamit sa tama. Ang confidential funds or pondo ay nagiging masama kung ginagamit ng isang corrupt” (Let’s remember that confidential funds are not bad as long as they are properly used. Confidential funds or money only become bad if used by someone corrupt).
The viral post also contains factual inaccuracies regarding the amount allocated to confidential funds. Under the 2026 national budget, the Office of the President is set to receive P4.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds—not P1 billion as claimed in the viral post.
Despite their classification as “confidential,” these funds remain subject to auditing procedures. The Commission on Audit, specifically its Intelligence and Confidential Fund Audit Unit, is responsible for reviewing the expenditure of such funds. A 2015 joint circular established comprehensive guidelines for handling confidential and intelligence funds, including requirements for physical and financial planning to support fund requests and quarterly accomplishment reports backed by documentary evidence.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly regarding government spending and accountability. The rapid spread of the fabricated quote demonstrates how easily false information can circulate and potentially influence public opinion on matters of fiscal governance.
As discussions around government transparency and the proper use of confidential funds continue, distinguishing between factual reporting and misinformation remains crucial for informed public discourse on these sensitive financial matters.
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18 Comments
While confidentiality may be needed in some cases, it should not be an excuse to avoid all scrutiny. The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used, even if some details remain private.
Well said. Confidential funds require a careful balance – protecting sensitive information while still maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability. The government must earn the public’s trust on this issue.
If the government is indeed using confidential funds for overseas trips and investments, that seems questionable. More clarity is needed to ensure proper oversight and responsible use of public resources.
I share your concerns. Confidential funds should have appropriate checks and balances, even if the full details aren’t publicly disclosed. Transparency is key to maintaining public confidence.
It’s good that this alleged quote was found to be fabricated. However, the underlying issue of confidential government funds deserves serious attention. Transparency and responsible use of public resources are crucial.
Absolutely. Even if some confidentiality is needed, the public has a right to know their money is being spent wisely and without abuse. Proper checks and balances are essential.
This is concerning if true. Confidential funds should still have some oversight and documentation, even if not fully public. I hope the government can provide more transparency around the use of these funds.
I agree, lack of accountability around confidential funds is worrying. The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being spent, even if some details remain private.
This is a troubling development, if true. Confidential funds should not be a blank check – there must be proper oversight and accountability. I hope the government can address this issue transparently.
I agree. Transparency and responsible use of public resources are essential, even for sensitive government funds. The public deserves reassurance that their money is being spent wisely.
It’s good that this fabricated quote was caught and debunked. However, the underlying issue of confidential government funds deserves serious scrutiny. Transparency is crucial for maintaining public confidence.
Absolutely. Even if some details must remain confidential, there should be clear mechanisms in place to ensure proper use of these funds and prevent abuse. The public has a right to know.
This is a concerning development. While confidential funds may be necessary in some cases, they should not be a way to avoid all scrutiny. The public deserves assurance that their tax dollars are being used responsibly.
I agree. Transparency and accountability are vital, even for sensitive government expenditures. The administration must find a way to balance confidentiality with responsible oversight.
This is a concerning development. While some confidentiality may be necessary, it shouldn’t be an excuse to avoid accountability. I hope the government can address this issue and restore public trust.
Well said. Confidential funds shouldn’t mean a free pass on oversight. The public deserves to know their money is being used responsibly, even if the specifics remain private.
It’s good that this alleged quote was found to be fabricated. Transparency and proper documentation are crucial, even for confidential government funds. I hope the administration takes this issue seriously.
Absolutely. Fabricated statements can spread misinformation and erode public trust. Fact-checking is so important, especially around sensitive financial matters.