SMNI apologizes for report on Speaker's travel expenses
By Nidz Godino
"We are very much willing to admit that, indeed, source was wrong...in this committee hearing, we are very appreciative of guidance provided by data," Davao City-based Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) program anchor Jeffrey Celiz has apologized over its "unverified" reports Speaker Martin Romualdez had spent some P1.8 billion for travel.
Celiz admitted during hearing of House committee on legislative franchise they failed to validate information they received from his source about Romualdez's travel expenses.
He pointed out he did not intend to disrespect chamber through their report but maintained it was within his "editorial authority."
"Without any intent of malice or imputing any sign of disrespect to the Speaker of the House because we presume it is part of our editorial authority and policy as well to open questions pertaining to public interest issues," he claimed.
Asked by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel if Celiz was willing to recant his statement and apologize to Congress, Celiz replied "affirmative."
"If that will heal wound of degree of insult that was forwarded to Congress, if that will be effect, it is not problem for me personally because it is our job to point out mistakes but it is also our duty to ask questions… yes sir, my answer is on affirmative," Celiz maintained.
During hearing, House secretary general Reginald Velasco reported Office of the Speaker, House Secretariat and House members posted total of P39,605,123 in expenses from January to October this year.
Velasco added of this amount, P4,347,712 were disbursed by Office of the Speaker while P35,257,411 were spent by House Secretariat and other members of chamber during their official trips.
Panel , chaired by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, was directed by House plenary to conduct an inquiry into SMNI report after several lawmakers filed resolutions about "fake news" allegedly being peddled and red tagging of individuals by broadcasting company.
It was directed to investigate if SMNI had violated any provision in its legislative franchise that was acquired by station in August 2019 and allowing it to operate for 25 years or until 2044.
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