PRESS CONFERENCE (DECEMBER 11, 2024)
Short Summary:
This press conference (December 11, 2024) centers on the Philippine Congress's efforts to regulate confidential and intelligence funds, specifically through two newly passed House Bills (HB 1192 and HB 1193). Key points include stricter regulations on Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs), increased penalties for misuse of funds, and the ongoing investigation into the Office of the President's (OP) substantial spending on these funds. The press conference also touches upon the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, with differing opinions expressed on the timing and relevance to the confidential funds probe. The implications are increased transparency and accountability regarding the use of public funds, particularly confidential funds, and a potential shift in power dynamics within the government. The detailed process of investigating the use of confidential funds and the legislative process for passing new bills are discussed.
Detailed Summary:
The press conference can be broken down into several sections:
Section 1: Introduction and House Bills 1192 & 1193: The conference begins with an introduction by Director Jun Pinch, followed by a discussion of two newly passed House Bills. HB 1192 regulates the allocation and utilization of confidential and intelligence funds, while HB 1193 regulates Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs). Both bills impose penalties for misuse and misappropriation, including perpetual disqualification from office. Key changes include stricter qualifications for SDOs (permanent employee, salary grade 24, relevant educational background, and appropriate fidelity bond). The legislation aims to address the previous lax system where anyone appointed by the head of an agency could become an SDO.
Section 2: Confidential Funds Probe and Impeachment Proceedings: The discussion shifts to the ongoing probe into confidential funds, particularly in relation to statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte. She suggested that the probe's conclusion would bring relief to her staff and the Department of Education, and that the impeachment proceedings would provide a forum to address outstanding issues. The Director expresses respect for the Vice President's opinion but clarifies that the confidential funds probe and the impeachment proceedings are separate matters. He notes that only two impeachment complaints have been filed and their progress is uncertain. The Director also addresses questions about his willingness to sign an impeachment resolution, stating he needs to review the content first.
Section 3: Office of the President's Spending and Congressional Action: Questions arise regarding the Commission on Audit's (COA) report showing the OP as the top spender of confidential and intelligence funds in 2023 (4.56 billion). The Director clarifies that the legislation focuses on civilian agencies, not those related to national security, and that the OP's spending is a separate matter. He emphasizes the distinction between confidential funds for civilian agencies and intelligence funds for security agencies. The Director also highlights the lack of a "notice of this allowance" in the OP's budget, a key difference from the civilian agencies under investigation.
Section 4: Impeachment Timeline and Senate's Role: The discussion returns to the impeachment proceedings, addressing concerns about the limited time before the election and the possibility that the impeachment trial might not reach the required number of senators (23) for conviction. The Director points out that the Senate is a continuing body and that senators have a duty to perform their work regardless of the election campaign. He emphasizes that his opinion is personal and not necessarily the view of the entire Congress.
Section 5: Further Details on House Bills and Joint Circular: Further questions clarify details about the bills, including the lack of current laws specifically punishing misappropriation of confidential funds (existing laws like malversation and plunder are mentioned). The new legislation aims to address loopholes and clarify liability. The Director also discusses the process of revising the COA and DBM joint circular on confidential funds, stating that it's still under consideration whether to revise it through legislation or a resolution.
Section 6: Miscellaneous Questions: This section includes questions about the verification of names allegedly linked to the OVP's secret fund anomaly, the rationalization of safety measures for motorcycles (HB 11113), and the Vice President's refusal to appear before the NBI. The Director provides updates on the investigation and expresses hope that the Vice President will cooperate with all relevant agencies. Finally, the press conference concludes with questions about a resolution seeking clemency for Mary Jane Veloso and the Director's Christmas message. The Director expresses his personal opinion on the clemency issue, highlighting the complexities of the case and the need to consider all aspects before granting clemency.