News Roundup 11 September 2023
Sep 11, 2023 • 5 min Read
Senate to push for realignment of intel funds to PCG, Philippine Navy for WPS defense | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has vowed to augment the confidential and intelligence funds of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy to provide them “full logistical and operational support” in fending off maritime aggression.
Zubiri did not identify the exact agencies whose budget will be realigned to pump more funding into the two agencies. But the Senate president mentioned that there are “hundreds of millions” of CIFs in other agencies compared to the “measly P10 million and P39.74 million” allocated to the PCG and the Navy, respectively.
Recent maneuvers by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea necessitate greater “external defense capabilities” to allow the PCG and the Navy to patrol the tense waterways, Zubiri said.
“Imagine, the Coast Guard only has P10 million in confidential funds. Other agencies of government, hundreds of millions. So I would suggest if we can transfer these to agencies that really need intelligence funds to protect us internally and externally,” Zubiri said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Full Story at: Senate to push for realignment of intel funds to PCG, Philippine Navy for WPS defense | Philstar.com
Atom Araullo files P2-million damage suit vs red-taggers Badoy, Celiz | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2: 44 p.m.) — Journalist Atom Araullo filed a P2-million civil suit against Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) hosts and red-taggers Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz for “maliciously” disseminating defamatory statements.
Araullo filed a civil complaint Monday at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to seek redress for damages and injury he has suffered as a result of the malicious dissemination of defamatory statements by the former spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and an individual who claims to be a former New People’s Army rebel.
Badoy and Celiz are hosts of the show “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” on SMNI, which is owned by controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing sex trafficking and money smuggling charges in the United States.
The multi-awarded journalist, television anchor and documentary filmmaker stressed that Badoy and Celiz have have committed acts contrary Articles 19, 20, 21, 26, and 33 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, which safeguard every individual’s personal rights, human relations and dignity, leading to serious damage and injury to his reputation, peace of mind, and personal relations.
In a statement, Araullo said that he filed the case for the “safety and well-being” of his family.
Full Story at: Atom Araullo files P2-million damage suit vs red-taggers Badoy, Celiz | Philstar.com
PNP seizes almost 300 firearms, nabs over 400 gun ban violators | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that it has confiscated almost 300 firearms and arrested over 400 gun ban violators since the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo, 286 small firearms and light weapons were confiscated, and 456 gun ban violators were arrested.
“Sa gun ban po as of 6 a.m. today mayroon na tayong nakumpiska na total na 286 firearms, 273 po diyan ay small firearms at 13 po ay light weapons,” Fajardo told reporters.
(For the gun ban, as of 6 a.m. today, we have confiscated 286 firearms, 273 of which are small firearms and 13 are light weapons.)
On the other hand, of the 456 arrested violators, 441 civilians, nine security guards, two PNP members, two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, an elected government official, and one citizen armed forces geographical unit active auxiliary.
Full Story at: PNP seizes almost 300 firearms, nabs over 400 gun ban violators | Inquirer News
Hontiveros tells VP Duterte to justify confidential funds: ‘You’re not special’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — “Hindi kayo special.”
(You’re not special.)
This was how opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros responded on Monday to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The comment was in relation to the Vice President’s remarks in which she said, “Senator Risa Hontiveros, while she amuses with nation with her flair for drama, could only wish the 2022 OVP CF (Office of the Vice President Confidential Funds) was accessed illegally.”
In reaction, the lawmaker dared Duterte, “If you’re so confident about those confidential funds, then defend them publicly.”
Hontiveros also said her questioning of the budget is part of her job as a senator.
“Trabaho lang. Walang drama,” said the lawmaker.
(Just work. No drama.)
“Akala ko ba, VP Sara, the OVP can live without confidential funds? Bakit parang pinapawisan na yata kayo dyan, budget hearing pa lang?” the legislator asked.
(VP Sara, I thought the OVP can live without confidential funds? Why do you seem to be already sweating there when it’s just a budget hearing?)
“Lahat naman ng ahensya, naglalabas ng proposed budget,” she pointed out.
(All agencies release a proposed budget.)
Duterte earlier confirmed her office had requested a P125 million confidential fund last year.
The money was part of the P221.4 million allocation transferred to OVP.
Hontiveros called the transfer “unauthorized” and “illegal.”
“Napakababa na yata ng standards ngayon sa OVP. Gagawin mo lang ang trabaho mo, “amusing” na agad?” she wondered.
(I think the standards are very low now in OVP. You just do your job, it’s “amusing” right away?)
Full Story at: Hontiveros tells VP Duterte to justify confidential funds: ‘You’re not special’ | Inquirer News
