MANILA — The Senate finished early morning Friday its plenary deliberation on the proposed 2023 budget after nearly 2 weeks of marathon debates to scrutinize the spending plan of all government agencies.

The more than 12-hour final session tackled the proposed budgets of the Philippines Statistics Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Congress, Department of Health, National Commission on Senior Citizens, and the Commission on Higher Education.

• Tulfo vs Villar: Senators clash over 'farm to subdivision' scheme, rice tariffication law

During the opening of plenary debates on Nov. 8, Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, said the proposed P5.268-trillion national budget would be a "reflection of the new administration's thrust."

One of the contentious issues that emerged from the debates was the grant of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) to civilian agencies such as the Department of Education and Office of the Vice President.

• No 'extraordinarily compelling reason' to give DepEd confidential funds: Hontiveros
• OVP 'not entitled' to receive confidential funds per Congress' definition: Pimentel

The Senate Minority bloc vowed to push for the deletion of the items during the period of amendments.

• Senate to revive oversight committee on intel funds

To allay fears of potential irregularities, the Senate will form an oversight body to monitor the spending of CIFs.

• Pimentel on OVP, DepEd, OSG confidential funds: 'Wag niyo na umpisahan'
• Senate oversight committee must take its job seriously, says Drilon

With all proposed budgets "deemed submitted," the Senate is expected to pass House Bill No. 4488 or the 2023 General Appropriations Bill on second and third readings next week.

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