Badoy, Celiz released from detention

SONSHINE Media Network International (SMNI) anchor Eric Celiz and Lorraine Badoy were released from their detention at the Batasang Pambansa on Tuesday night, said the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.

House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairperson Gus Tambunting of Parañaque had earlier signed off on the release order on humanitarian grounds.

“Ang kalayaan ang pinanindigan, ipinaglalaban, hindi ito ibinibigay,” Celiz said, who earlier sent a letter to Tambunting seeking a furlough by citing his mother’s deteriorating health.

The two were earlier cited for contempt over unresponsive, if not disrespectful answers, to lawmakers’ questions during a congressional inquiry involving SMNI’s broadcast in which Celiz and Badoy said Speaker Martin Romualdez had a P1.8 billion worth of travel fund.

Celiz has since said that his source was wrong.

Upon release, Celiz said he was merely asking a question about the alleged fund.

“Ang pagtatanong ko po sa P1.8 billion ay hindi po fake news. Hindi po dapat hinatulan iyon. Hindi po dapat kami kinulong,” he said.

 “Dapat po kami ay sinagot ng maayos,” he added.

During the inquiry, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the House of Representatives fund for official business travel this year based on financial records, was P39 million.