22/03/2026
Makabayan Bloc’s Scrutiny of VP’s Confidential Funds Aims to Target NTF ELCAC Assets and Intelligence
Some groups and officials, including supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte and members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), have claimed that the Makabayan bloc’s push to audit the OVP’s confidential funds is not about accountability but rather a strategic move to uncover and undermine NTF ELCAC’s assets, intelligence networks, and operations. Here’s a breakdown of this claim and counterpoints:
The Core Claim
Proponents argue that:
- A portion of the OVP’s confidential funds was allocated to support NTF ELCAC initiatives, including intelligence gathering against communist rebel groups, community development programs in conflict-affected areas, and efforts to protect infrastructure from insurgent attacks.
- By demanding full disclosure of how the funds were used, the Makabayan bloc allegedly linked to communist groups seeks to identify NTF ELCAC’s sources, informants, and operational strategies, putting security personnel and communities at risk.
- The scrutiny is framed as a political tactic to weaken the government’s counterinsurgency efforts and discredit officials associated with NTF ELCAC, including VP Duterte, who previously served as its co-vice chairperson.
Source: Manila Bulletin – NTF ELCAC official: Scrutiny of VP funds risks exposing anti-insurgency ops
Counterpoints from the Makabayan Bloc
The bloc has rejected these claims, stating:
- Their focus is on ensuring taxpayer money is used legally and transparently not on targeting NTF ELCAC. They emphasize that even security-related funds must comply with audit rules and legal requirements.
- The COA’s notice of disallowance for ₱73 million of the OVP’s spending cited issues unrelated to counterinsurgency, such as lack of documentation for cash rewards and purchases of non-confidential items.
- They deny links to communist groups and accuse critics of using red-tagging to deflect from legitimate accountability concerns.
Source: Rappler – Makabayan slams 'red-tagging' amid VP funds scrutiny
Context on NTF ELCAC
NTF ELCAC was established in 2018 to address communist insurgency through a whole-of-nation approach, combining security operations with social development. While it has been credited with reducing rebel influence in some areas, it has also faced criticism for alleged human rights violations and misuse of funds. The task force’s budget and operations are separate from the OVP’s confidential funds, though some initiatives may have overlapping goals.
Source: Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – NTF ELCAC Official Website | Human Rights Watch – Philippines: NTF ELCAC Linked to Abuses
Note: Views on this issue are deeply divided, with some prioritizing national security and others emphasizing transparency and accountability. Both sides have called for evidence to support their claims.
Additional Sources:
- Philippine Star – VP Duterte links funds scrutiny to NTF ELCAC targeting
- Inquirer.net – Makabayan: No intent to expose NTF ELCAC ops
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