SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Monday stressed the need to realign the proposed P150 million confidential fund of the Department of Education to other important programs of the agency.

During the plenary deliberations, Hontiveros promised to push for amendments on the agency’s budget to realign the confidential fund once they start the bill period of amendments on the 2023 national budget.

Hontiveros said there is no reason to give confidential fund for DepEd and let the law enforcement agencies address issues on security in schools and also in cases of exploitation and harrassment against students.

The senator noted that the confidential fund can be realigned to programs or measures to curb the spread of Covid19 cases in schools.

Hontiveros recommended the establishment of Covid19 Infection Control Committee to manage and monitor the implementation of minimum health protocols as the DepEd also comply with the national government’s policy on optional use of face mask.