MANILA — Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas reiterated Tuesday her call to defund and abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), saying funds should be channeled to social services.

She questioned programs under the NTF-ELCAC during the budget plenary debate on the DILG budget, saying this is being used against activists.  

• NTF-ELCAC budget triples in 2025

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap itong mga programs na ito ng NTF and we should abolish it and put the money doon sa mga pangangailangan natin, mga essential services,” Brosas said.

Brosas demanded specifics on how the funds were used, which the DILG budget sponsor and appropriations committee vice chair Rep. Luisa Cuaresma said can be provided.  

The NTF-ELCAC has a proposed P7.8 billion appropriation for 2025, which Cuaresma said has not increased since 2023.

• Abolishing NTF-ELCAC at this time 'irresponsible': NSC

“For 2023, same po ang figure, as well as that of 2024 and this proposed budget po for 2025… Wala pong increase since 2023 po,” Ciaresma said.

Brosas replied: “Kahit pa walang increase, there shouldn’t be a budget like that.”

Meantime, Cuaresma assured ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro that drug-related killings are being investigated. Castro said victims should be given justice, whether they are police or civilians.

“According to our chief PNP ang ginagawa po nila ay kung may mga ganyang killings po, They investigate right away,” Cuaresma said. 

• UN Special Rapporteur recommends disbandment of NTF-ELCAC

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