Noy slashes own intel fund by P184 million By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 08, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (20) MANILA, Philippines - In line with his administration's austerity measures, President Aquino has decided to cut the intelligence budget of the Office of the President for next year by P184 million, from P4.259 billion to P4.075 billion. "This is consistent with our belt-tightening efforts and our desire to cut unprogrammed, unaudited fund sources in the spirit of transparency and fiscal discipline," said Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Office for Operations. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. recommended the cost-cutting measure. He said it was the same budget that was approved by the appropriations committee at the House of Representatives, which is headed by Mr. Aquino's ally, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya. In a statement, Ochoa said the Office of the President (OP) has also realigned the money from the Palace intelligence funds and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission to cover the funding requirements of two new offices. He said the proposed 2011 national budget for maintenance, operating and other expenses has been reduced by P163.9 million, with professional services getting the biggest cut of P152.7 million. Ochoa added that there is also a cutback of expenses for printing, advertising, travel and representation allowances. "Addressing our growing deficit will require a team effort on the ...