Manila: Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) returned PHP500 million of its PHP1.3-billion intelligence fund for 2025 after discovering it had been inserted into its budget by former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla informed senators during a Senate budget hearing that the PHP500 million was an insertion which they handed over to the Office of the President. He stated that the insertion came from the same person who requested 3,000 containers of fish, referring to former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. had previously identified Co as seeking import allocations for distribution among three companies.

Remulla explained that the decision to return the funds was made to maintain the integrity of the PNP's intelligence operations and prevent potential misuse. During the hearing, he also presented the proposed 2026 budget for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, reiterating the agency's dedication to responsive governance policies, public accountability, and national peace and order.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, who led the hearing, highlighted the DILG's essential role in national development, emphasizing the importance of strengthening local government units and communities. He also called on the department to support his proposed Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development Act, which seeks to provide a comprehensive guide for local and national infrastructure projects.