(OPINION)
THE committee in Congress is deeply concerned about the seemingly ineffective use of intel funds by government agencies.
It is true that the government has funds for this purpose, but why do high-profile personalities like Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, and the now controversial case of the ousted former Bamban mayor Alice Guo manage to escape or not be apprehended?
What is happening?
Are these agencies working properly? It is embarrassing that these fugitives can slip out of the country without being caught or even detected.
Are these agencies weak in gathering information against fugitives, or are they simply allowing them to leave the country and escape?
It seems like the officials and agencies that should be working to apprehend these personalities are asleep at the wheel.
There is funding, yes, but what is lacking is diligent work to arrest these fugitives.
Therefore, the House appropriations committee wants to scrutinize whether the intel funds of various government agencies are being used properly following the embarrassing escape of Guo.
According to Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, Congress is serious about the allocation and use of intelligence funds. It stated that there needs to be a thorough investigation into Guo’s escape despite the immigration lookout bulletin.
“We should also include the cases of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former BuCor Chief Gerald Bantag, who until now have not been apprehended. The incidents are alarming because we do not know how the funds for security and law enforcement are being utilized,” Co said. The lawmaker also wants to know how intel funds are being used.
“We need to ensure that every peso of intelligence funds is used properly and effectively. We want to prevent these lapses from happening again by ensuring stronger oversight and accountability,” Co emphasized.
Just like before, Congress will continue to scrutinize the budget allocation for agencies with intelligence funds. Guo’s blatant actions are a disgrace to the government and the people. Hopefully, the government will not allow the nation’s money to go to waste and ensure that it is used for its intended purpose.
