USEC. ROCKY IGNACIO: Good afternoon MPC, kasama na natin si Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
SEC. PANELO: Good afternoon, MPC. I’m ready if you are…
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Hi, sir. Sir may we get your reaction to US President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the termination of the VFA? He said he never really minded it that much and that he views it, and I quote: “Thank you very much, we save a lot of money.”
SEC. PANELO: Then, he is welcome. If he said that, how can we be more popish than the pope? Maybe he agrees with the position of the President that it is time that we stand on our own resources and defend our country from enemies of the state by ourselves and not rely on the help of other countries. We weaken ourselves if we keep on being parasites to any of the countries.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Sir, what then was the President saying when he said that President Trump was trying to save the deal when it sounds like from his comments na sabi nga niya, he really didn’t mind that the treaty—
SEC. PANELO: I think what he was referring to certain initiatives prior to the sending of the notice of termination. There were moves by the officials of the US government to talk to him.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: So not necessarily President Trump as he mentioned, because he specifically mentioned—?
SEC. PANELO: O kasi when the subordinates of the US government do that, that means they have the go signal of the higher office.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Also sir, can you tell us what the President’s plans are for EDCA and MDT? You mentioned in an interview earlier today na.. posible din ba na masunod iyon – iyong iba?
SEC. PANELO: I understand the Senate is going to review these two treaties you mentioned, so we’ll wait for the recommendation.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: But the President didn’t even bother waiting for the Senate’s investigation on the VFA. I was wondering maybe mayroon din po siyang sarili niyang thoughts on the other two as early as now?
SEC. PANELO: Well to be consistent with his stand, then all treaties must go… by the tone of his body language. Kasi kapag sinabi mo na we have to stand on our own, not rely – ibig sabihin we’ll have to strengthen our own resources, hindi natin kailangan ang ibang bansa.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: All treaties must go, so even na those with other countries apart from the US?
SEC. PANELO: Ah, hindi ko alam iyong portion na—but what I’m saying… I’m not saying that all treaties must go. I’m just reading the body language of the President, kasi that will be logical kung… the premise is “we have to strengthen ourselves,” eh ‘di, that means you will not be relying on any country for your defenses.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Okay, thank you sir.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: Sir by body language, we mean iyong mga previous speeches niya na ayaw na niya ng treaty sa America or—
SEC. PANELO: No, by that I meant when he said, “We have to stand on our own. We cannot be relying on other countries.”
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: Pero for a fact sir, natanong na po ba natin si President Duterte if he wants EDCA and MDT to continue, or will he abrogate these as well?
SEC. PANELO: No, I didn’t ask him that particular question.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: Okay sir, thank you.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Sir since iyong EDCA is a supplemental agreement to the VFA, hindi ba iyong abrogation of the VFA, it follows na—does it follow na iyong EDCA, mawawala na rin?
SEC. PANELO: As I was saying, that’s the logic. But I don’t know if it will come to that.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Is there a need for the President to also issue a notice of termination or whatever, anong proseso noon, sir?
SEC. PANELO: From what I gather since the Senate is reviewing that, ‘di siguro aantayin niyo na lang muna sila.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Sir I think—please correct me if I’m wrong. Sir, iyong one of the provisions of EDCA, the US should not bring in nuclear materials in Philippine territories.
SEC. PANELO: Yes.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: In the President’s latest speech, he mentioned that the Philippine Navy detected the nuclear-something in Palawan. Is this a violation of the agreement? If it is a violation, does this—what does this mean here?
SEC. PANELO: If that has been validated to be true, then it is a violation of the treaty. If it is a violation of the treaty, then what’s the force and effectiveness of a treaty if one of the parties breached it?
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Okay.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Hi sir, good afternoon. Sir, what have we achieved after filing the notice of termination if President Trump himself said na he doesn’t mind. I mean, the reasons that were stated by Malacañang are that, number one, masyadong bastos kasi iyong US. Did we gain respect after filing the notice of termination?
SEC. PANELO: Yes, of course.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: How?
SEC. PANELO: How? By terminating it, we showed them that we do not need them. Now the statements of Mr. Trump, we do not know exactly whether he was very serious of that. You must remember that the VFA and other treaties are there precisely because of the global strategic defensive positioning of the United States. You must remember that the perceived enemies of the US are very near this country, hence they need us. Advantage sa kanila kapag kasama tayo nila eh.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Bakit naging advantage sir, can you elaborate on that?
SEC. PANELO: Aba eh… eh kung mayroong labanan ‘di—kagaya nga niyan ‘di ba, nandito iyong mga puwersa nila, they can easily neutralize any attack coming from near us.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: But of course when—
SEC. PANELO: Strategically, hindi ba they are all over the world.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: And, I understand President Trump also mentioned that—of course, we cannot deny the assistance that they provided to the Philippines including our fight against ISIS. Do you acknowledge that, sir?
SEC. PANELO: O hindi naman… hindi naman—hindi ba nagpapasalamat nga tayo doon. But they must also remember that we were with them when they were fighting. We always are with them.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Sir, last na lang. The Senate; some of the Senate leaders are planning to question before the Supreme Court next week the abrogation of Visiting Forces Agreement. May we have your—
SEC. PANELO: It’s their prerogative right to do that. Then let the Supreme Court rule on the constitutionality of whatever they want to question before the tribunal.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: How will this affect the decision of Malacañang, sir?
SEC. PANELO: It won’t. His position remains unchanged.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: Sir, iyong reaction ni President Trump na we don’t mind at mas makakatipid sila, was this the desired—or the expected reaction natin sa kanila? Ito ba iyong nakita natin na the way that they will react or did we expect them to react differently?
SEC. PANELO: We do not know what reaction they will give. What is important to the President is, this is the time to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement to stress a point that, one, it is not advantageous to us because the more we rely on them, the more our position weakens and stagnate our defenses.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: So it’s safe to say sir na when we terminated the VFA, kumbaga we were not seeking a particular reaction from the US like halimbawa na susuyuin tayo or “No, it’s okay. Mas Matipid sa amin,” – Wala tayong ganoong expectations?
SEC. PANELO: No. We made that decision because of the reasons given by the President.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: The reason I asked for kasi last Monday I think or Tuesday tinanong po kayo kung magiging—ano iyong magiging status of bilateral relationship with the US. And you said na hopefully warmer kasi dahil napapansin nga natin na ‘pag kini-criticize iyong policies ng US, mas nagiging preferential iyong treatment pero iyong allies parang nini-neglect nila. So—
SEC. PANELO: That was the history. Now whether they have changed it or not, remains to be seen.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: Okay. So with this—
SEC. PANELO: Actions are louder than words. We don’t know yet.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: So with this latest statement of Trump, do we still believe na Philippine and US diplomatic ties will be warmer or it remains to be seen pa po?
SEC. PANELO: Let’s see how it evolves or develops.
JULIE AURELIO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: As of now sir, how do you see it? Is it still warm or lukewarm?
SEC. PANELO: Well, I think I read something about the… one of the reactions of the State—Secretary of Defense? Parang nabanggit niya na ganoon pa rin ang relasyon natin except that magkakaroon daw ng significant consequences, whatever that is.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Sir you mentioned you don’t know what reaction they would give nga after the President ordered the termination of the VFA. And now the US President spoke up, he’s saying that he never minded and he is saying ‘thank you’ dahil makakatipid pa sila. And then now you are saying that you don’t even know if he’s really serious because you’re insisting that they need us. When you say that, are you sort of saying na you’re doubting the sincerity of the US President doon sa comments niya?
SEC. PANELO: It remains to be seen.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Can you expound a little bit of—
SEC. PANELO: As I said, words are less louder than actions.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: So you’re saying even if the US President said that he doesn’t mind, he does – ganoon?
SEC. PANELO: I don’t know. I don’t know really… Let’s see. Let’s see how his words will match the actions of the US government.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILIPPINES: Okay. Thank you, sir.
HENRY URI/DZRH: Secretary, matapos sabihin ni President Donald Trump na, ‘It’s fine. We’ll save a lot of money,’ as a Presidential Spokesperson, ano ang gusto ninyong sabihin kay Mr. Trump?
SEC. PANELO: My thoughts are irrelevant. I only speak the thoughts of the President. So he has not said anything about it, so I will ask him.
HENRY URI/DZRH: The scheduled conversation over the telephone between the President—
SEC. PANELO: There was no schedule. There were—what do you call it? There were talks; there were initiatives that the two should talk. But na-overrun na ng events eh because I asked the President, and he said, ‘No, I won’t anymore.’
HENRY URI/DZRH: Even if the White House initiate the talks or the conversation?
SEC. PANELO: Eh sa kanila nga galing iyong initiation na iyon from the very start; hindi naman sa atin eh.
HENRY URI/DZRH: So kung tumawag si …iyong camp ni President Donald Trump o si President Trump kay President Duterte, hindi na talaga kakausapin ng Pangulo?
SEC. PANELO: That is his position. That’s the President’s position. He won’t entertain any initiatives coming from the US government.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Sir, what is the reaction of the President to the announcement of the DND that military exercises with the US will continue?
SEC. PANELO: Because under the treaty, nandoon pa iyon. Kasi iyong Visiting Forces Agreement refers to jurisdiction on certain commission of crimes relative to the military forces of the US.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, following the termination of the VFA, how does this administration plan to strengthen our defense capabilities? Do we expect a big chunk on our defense spending, considering that we don’t plan to be a parasite to other countries?
SEC. PANELO: I will leave that to the Secretary of National Defense; what would be his plans to strengthen our capabilities of defending our country.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: So ibig sabihin, sir, wala pa pong clear cut plan ang Palasyo when you said that—
SEC. PANELO: I don’t know whether the Secretary of National Defense has. I’m sure he has. I don’t know what.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: As for the President, sir—
SEC. PANELO: I haven’t asked him about it. I can ask him tonight.
Q: Sir, follow up doon sa sinabi ni Pia. Kasi wala pa ang Pilipinas sa minimum credible defense posture, meaning, hindi pa tayo ganoon katatag in terms of defense. So sinasabi nga ni Senator Lacson na maaaring maging open tayo sa mga terror attacks dahil dito sa pag-terminate natin ng VFA. Ano po iyong puwede nating gawin na remedy dito?
SEC. PANELO: As I said, I will leave that to the Secretary of National Defense kung anong plano nila diyan.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Secretary, you mentioned, the purpose of abrogating the VFA is to make the Philippines self-reliant—
SEC. PANELO: That’s what the President said.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Okay. But how do you reconcile that with the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that they may be pushing for military cooperation agreements or arrangements with countries like China, Japan and, you already mentioned, UK?
SEC. PANELO: That must have been said prior to the termination. In other words, at the time when they made those statements, the VFA still existed.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So it’s accurate to say, wala na itong plan to have military arrangements with China, Japan, UK?
SEC. PANELO: I suppose they will defer to the position of the President – he is the chief architect and he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So wala na iyong UK?
SEC. PANELO: Iyon ang magiging logical consequence ng position ni Presidente.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So does that mean iyong inyong policy regarding iyong strengthening our own capabilities, hindi nito sini-single out iyong US?
SEC. PANELO: Definitely not, kasi iyon ang sabi ni Presidente eh.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILS: Actually sir, that statement was made in reaction to the termination of the VFA. It’s to, supposedly, according to the AFP Chief, to fill the gap doon sa magiging kawalan doon sa VFA.
SEC. PANELO: Yes, that was the statement made after but not after I talked with the President because I asked him that specifically. Noong nagbigay sila ng statement, tinanong ko siya. Like for instance, may ganiyan, ganito, “Look,” sabi niya, “it’s about time we stand on our own.”
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILS: So now the Commander-in-Chief will be instructing the AFP not to pursue this supposed iyong sinasabi nilang plan to enter?
SEC. PANELO: At the moment he makes the position then the AFP will have to follow.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Hi, sir. Sir, na-confirm ninyo po ba kay President Duterte last night kung included nga doon sa drug watch list si Colonel Espenido?
SEC. PANELO: No, hindi ko na … we’re so busy discussing iyong ibang aspects eh. That escaped my mind.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Okay, sir. Pero, sir, is the Palace planning to investigate iyong report po na iyon, iyong inclusion?
SEC. PANELO: Palagi namang ganiyang ang Palasyo ‘di ba – if there are some reports, it validates it.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Will the President meet with Colonel Espenido?
SEC. PANELO: Iyan ang hindi ko alam.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Okay, sir. And then, sir, comment lang po: The PNP is offering optional retirement sa around 350 plus na policemen na iimbestigahan for involvement sa illegal drugs. Ang sabi po ni PNP Chief Gamboa, “If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, if you are guilty at sa tingin ninyo ay with the composition now of those who will evaluate, nakikita ninyo na hindi kayo makakalusot, if you want peace of mind, then we offer you optional retirement.” Do you think it’s proper, sir?
SEC. PANELO: I do not know whether he has talked with the President. I’m not privy to that so I’d rather not comment on that.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: But, sir, do you think the PNP should offer optional retirement sa mga iimbestigahan na pulis for involvement in illegal drugs?
SEC. PANELO: Personally, may opinion doesn’t matter. As I said, I always express the thoughts of the President. Since I have not talked with the President relative to that, I cannot make any comment.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, will the Palace order the PNP Chief to release the names of police officials in the drugs watch list?
SEC. PANELO: I’ll ask him. I’ll ask the President.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Because the President has released iyong mga politicians involved in the narco list—
SEC. PANELO: Baka may bago, baka may ‘updated’ list. Tatanungin ko siya kung mayroong bago and if he intends to release them.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Pero I’m referring, sir, sa drugs watch list with the police officials. The PNP Chief is refusing to divulge the names of these officials involved or in the narco list. So will the Palace encourage or order the PNP Chief to release the names?
SEC. PANELO: I’ll ask him if he is going to order the PNP Chief. Remind mo ha. I-text mo sa akin iyong mga—kung minsan nakakalimutan ko iyong mga tinatanong sa dami.
JULIE: Sir, a few days ago, sinabi po ni President Duterte, instructing the Chief of the Philippine National Police na iyong mga may links sa drugs, alisin mo iyan, i-revamp mo iyan. Tapos ngayon, here comes PNP Chief Gamboa saying na puwedeng mag-optional retirement iyong mga personalities on the drug list. Does the Palace think na iyong actions ni PNP, may run contrary to the President’s order to the PNP Chief na to get rid of those—
SEC. PANELO: Hindi ba he’s getting rid of them by offering that, ganoon na nga rin iyon.
JULIE: So is that an acceptable option to the Palace?
SEC. PANELO: But you know, given them retirement option doesn’t mean that they will not be prosecuted if there’s evidence they’ve been involved.
JULIE: Yes, sir. Pero kasi iyong the administrative case, wala na po tapos makukuha nila iyong retirement benefits nila if they are allowed to retire early?
SEC. PANELO: If they are criminally prosecuted, eh kung kasama iyon sa judgment ng court, may magagawa ba sila?
JULIE: Okay, sir. So i-clarify ko lang, sir, ha: Iyong actions ng PNP in offering optional retirement ay not necessarily contradict to the President’s statement na to get rid of or sibakin iyong mga may kinalaman sa drugs sa PNP?
SEC. PANELO: Eh kasi nga as I said, getting rid of them through retirement, doesn’t preclude the filing of criminal prosecution. Eh di ganoon din iyon, kung may ebidensiya.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Balikan ko lang iyon, Secretary. Kasi kapag pinag-retire mo, you can give them graceful exit eh.
SEC. PANELO: Oo, pero as I said, kung may ebidensiya laban sa’yo, papaylan ka pa rin ng kaso. And by getting that retirement, you’re admitting you’re involved kasi precisely iyon ang purpose. “Oh kayong mga sa tingin ninyo baka ma-embarrass kayo pagdating ng araw kasi involved kayo, mag-retire na lang kayo.” Eh kapag nag-retire ka, ibig sabihin kasama ka doon, ‘di ba admission?
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So hindi sila off the hook?
SEC. PANELO: Definitely they will not be. Hindi naman pupuwede kay Presidente iyon!
HENRY URI/DZRH: Secretary, matapos sabihin ni President Donald Trump na, ‘It’s fine. We’ll save a lot of money,’ as a Presidential Spokesperson, ano ang gusto ninyong sabihin kay Mr. Trump?
SEC. PANELO: My thoughts are irrelevant. I only speak the thoughts of the President. So he has not said anything about it, so I will ask him.
HENRY URI/DZRH: The scheduled conversation over the telephone between the President—
SEC. PANELO: There was no schedule. There were—what do you call it? There were talks; there were initiatives that the two should talk. But na-overrun na ng events eh because I asked the President, and he said, ‘No, I won’t anymore.’
HENRY URI/DZRH: Even if the White House initiate the talks or the conversation?
SEC. PANELO: Eh sa kanila nga galing iyong initiation na iyon from the very start; hindi naman sa atin eh.
HENRY URI/DZRH: So kung tumawag si …iyong camp ni President Donald Trump o si President Trump kay President Duterte, hindi na talaga kakausapin ng Pangulo?
SEC. PANELO: That is his position. That’s the President’s position. He won’t entertain any initiatives coming from the US government.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Sir, what is the reaction of the President to the announcement of the DND that military exercises with the US will continue?
SEC. PANELO: Because under the treaty, nandoon pa iyon. Kasi iyong Visiting Forces Agreement refers to jurisdiction on certain commission of crimes relative to the military forces of the US.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, following the termination of the VFA, how does this administration plan to strengthen our defense capabilities? Do we expect a big chunk on our defense spending, considering that we don’t plan to be a parasite to other countries?
SEC. PANELO: I will leave that to the Secretary of National Defense; what would be his plans to strengthen our capabilities of defending our country.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: So ibig sabihin, sir, wala pa pong clear cut plan ang Palasyo when you said that—
SEC. PANELO: I don’t know whether the Secretary of National Defense has. I’m sure he has. I don’t know what.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: As for the President, sir—
SEC. PANELO: I haven’t asked him about it. I can ask him tonight.
Q: Sir, follow up doon sa sinabi ni Pia. Kasi wala pa ang Pilipinas sa minimum credible defense posture, meaning, hindi pa tayo ganoon katatag in terms of defense. So sinasabi nga ni Senator Lacson na maaaring maging open tayo sa mga terror attacks dahil dito sa pag-terminate natin ng VFA. Ano po iyong puwede nating gawin na remedy dito?
SEC. PANELO: As I said, I will leave that to the Secretary of National Defense kung anong plano nila diyan.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Secretary, you mentioned, the purpose of abrogating the VFA is to make the Philippines self-reliant—
SEC. PANELO: That’s what the President said.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Okay. But how do you reconcile that with the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that they may be pushing for military cooperation agreements or arrangements with countries like China, Japan and, you already mentioned, UK?
SEC. PANELO: That must have been said prior to the termination. In other words, at the time when they made those statements, the VFA still existed.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So it’s accurate to say, wala na itong plan to have military arrangements with China, Japan, UK?
SEC. PANELO: I suppose they will defer to the position of the President – he is the chief architect and he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So wala na iyong UK?
SEC. PANELO: Iyon ang magiging logical consequence ng position ni Presidente.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So does that mean iyong inyong policy regarding iyong strengthening our own capabilities, hindi nito sini-single out iyong US?
SEC. PANELO: Definitely not, kasi iyon ang sabi ni Presidente eh.
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILS: Actually sir, that statement was made in reaction to the termination of the VFA. It’s to, supposedly, according to the AFP Chief, to fill the gap doon sa magiging kawalan doon sa VFA.
SEC. PANELO: Yes, that was the statement made after but not after I talked with the President because I asked him that specifically. Noong nagbigay sila ng statement, tinanong ko siya. Like for instance, may ganiyan, ganito, “Look,” sabi niya, “it’s about time we stand on our own.”
INA ANDOLONG/CNN PHILS: So now the Commander-in-Chief will be instructing the AFP not to pursue this supposed iyong sinasabi nilang plan to enter?
SEC. PANELO: At the moment he makes the position then the AFP will have to follow.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Hi, sir. Sir, na-confirm ninyo po ba kay President Duterte last night kung included nga doon sa drug watch list si Colonel Espenido?
SEC. PANELO: No, hindi ko na … we’re so busy discussing iyong ibang aspects eh. That escaped my mind.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Okay, sir. Pero, sir, is the Palace planning to investigate iyong report po na iyon, iyong inclusion?
SEC. PANELO: Palagi namang ganiyang ang Palasyo ‘di ba – if there are some reports, it validates it.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Will the President meet with Colonel Espenido?
SEC. PANELO: Iyan ang hindi ko alam.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: Okay, sir. And then, sir, comment lang po: The PNP is offering optional retirement sa around 350 plus na policemen na iimbestigahan for involvement sa illegal drugs. Ang sabi po ni PNP Chief Gamboa, “If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, if you are guilty at sa tingin ninyo ay with the composition now of those who will evaluate, nakikita ninyo na hindi kayo makakalusot, if you want peace of mind, then we offer you optional retirement.” Do you think it’s proper, sir?
SEC. PANELO: I do not know whether he has talked with the President. I’m not privy to that so I’d rather not comment on that.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBNnews.com: But, sir, do you think the PNP should offer optional retirement sa mga iimbestigahan na pulis for involvement in illegal drugs?
SEC. PANELO: Personally, may opinion doesn’t matter. As I said, I always express the thoughts of the President. Since I have not talked with the President relative to that, I cannot make any comment.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, will the Palace order the PNP Chief to release the names of police officials in the drugs watch list?
SEC. PANELO: I’ll ask him. I’ll ask the President.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Because the President has released iyong mga politicians involved in the narco list—
SEC. PANELO: Baka may bago, baka may ‘updated’ list. Tatanungin ko siya kung mayroong bago and if he intends to release them.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Pero I’m referring, sir, sa drugs watch list with the police officials. The PNP Chief is refusing to divulge the names of these officials involved or in the narco list. So will the Palace encourage or order the PNP Chief to release the names?
SEC. PANELO: I’ll ask him if he is going to order the PNP Chief. Remind mo ha. I-text mo sa akin iyong mga—kung minsan nakakalimutan ko iyong mga tinatanong sa dami.
JULIE: Sir, a few days ago, sinabi po ni President Duterte, instructing the Chief of the Philippine National Police na iyong mga may links sa drugs, alisin mo iyan, i-revamp mo iyan. Tapos ngayon, here comes PNP Chief Gamboa saying na puwedeng mag-optional retirement iyong mga personalities on the drug list. Does the Palace think na iyong actions ni PNP, may run contrary to the President’s order to the PNP Chief na to get rid of those—
SEC. PANELO: Hindi ba he’s getting rid of them by offering that, ganoon na nga rin iyon.
JULIE: So is that an acceptable option to the Palace?
SEC. PANELO: But you know, given them retirement option doesn’t mean that they will not be prosecuted if there’s evidence they’ve been involved.
JULIE: Yes, sir. Pero kasi iyong the administrative case, wala na po tapos makukuha nila iyong retirement benefits nila if they are allowed to retire early?
SEC. PANELO: If they are criminally prosecuted, eh kung kasama iyon sa judgment ng court, may magagawa ba sila?
JULIE: Okay, sir. So i-clarify ko lang, sir, ha: Iyong actions ng PNP in offering optional retirement ay not necessarily contradict to the President’s statement na to get rid of or sibakin iyong mga may kinalaman sa drugs sa PNP?
SEC. PANELO: Eh kasi nga as I said, getting rid of them through retirement, doesn’t preclude the filing of criminal prosecution. Eh di ganoon din iyon, kung may ebidensiya.
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: Balikan ko lang iyon, Secretary. Kasi kapag pinag-retire mo, you can give them graceful exit eh.
SEC. PANELO: Oo, pero as I said, kung may ebidensiya laban sa’yo, papaylan ka pa rin ng kaso. And by getting that retirement, you’re admitting you’re involved kasi precisely iyon ang purpose. “Oh kayong mga sa tingin ninyo baka ma-embarrass kayo pagdating ng araw kasi involved kayo, mag-retire na lang kayo.” Eh kapag nag-retire ka, ibig sabihin kasama ka doon, ‘di ba admission?
ACE ROMERO/PHIL STAR: So hindi sila off the hook?
SEC. PANELO: Definitely they will not be. Hindi naman pupuwede kay Presidente iyon!
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBN NEWS.COM: But sir iyong main purpose nga po ng PNP for offering optional retirement is para hindi na masama iyong mga mag-a-avail noon doon sa iba-validate na listahan.
SEC. PANELO: Alam mo kasi… This is an educated guess: Kasi kung hindi niya gagawin iyon, you have to file cases and it will take a long, long process – siguro para mabilis, ino-offer-an niya ng optional retirement.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBN NEWS.COM: Do you think that’s proper, sir, na para mapabilis mag-retire na lang iyong mga pulis?
SEC. PANELO: Eh subject to prosecution naman eh, so wala namang mali doon. It would be different kung binigyan mo ng optional retirement pagkatapos may criminal waiver ang prosecution. Ah ibang usapan iyon, that would be unlawful. You cannot waive criminal prosecution when there is a violation of a law.
ARIANNE MEREZ/ABS-CBN NEWS.COM: Okay sir, thank you po.
IAN CRUZ/GMA7: Secretary iyong sa Taiwan, sinasabi po na dahil doon sa travel ban na in-impose natin sa kanila, maari namang tanggalin iyong visa-free entry ng mga Pilipino. Marami pong nagre-react doon. Ano pong take ng Palasyo?
SEC. PANELO: Well sabi ni Presidente kagabi, “My primary concern is to help the safety of our countrymen. Until the danger persists, then we have to do what is necessary to secure their safety.”
IAN CRUZ/GMA7: Hindi po ba iyong ‘One-China’ policy iyong sinunod natin kaya in-include po ang—
SEC. PANELO: Oo, tinanong ko din siya, sabi niya “No, nothing to do with it,” sabi niya.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Sir with regards to the travel ban to Taiwan – is that final?
SEC. PANELO: Hindi, lahat naman hindi final. Palaging… until the danger exist, nandiyan iyong ban.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Kasi sir, Singapore has reported more infected cases of this COVID ‘no, now, ano po ang basehan ng pag-issue ng travel ban sa isang bansa?
SEC. PANELO: I don’t think na it depends on more or less. The fact is infected kaya may ban. Now whether eventually isasama sila, eh aantayin natin.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: So what’s the basis, sir?
SEC. PANELO: Iyon nga ang basis, we’re trying to secure the safety of our countrymen so as not to spread the disease and—
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Pero bakit ang Singapore, they did not even have this travel ban?
SEC. PANELO: O, eh iba naman ang Singapore; iba naman sa atin; iba naman ang takbo ng mga utak nila doon. But just because one country does this, are you saying that we have to copy whatever they decide on a particular matter? We have our own mind.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Pero sir, walang travel ban sa Singapore. They have more infected diseases, these cases.
SEC. PANELO: Hindi pa nga natin alam kung magkakaroon ng travel ban. Lahat ‘yan pinag-aaralan ni Presidente.
VANZ FERNANDEZ/POLICE FILES: Thank you, sir.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Sir, just a clarification. You mentioned po kasi that it’s not about the One-China policy, but I remember on the previous statements of Malacañang and the Department of Health, One-China policy talaga iyong nagiging reason because we’re basing our decision on the WHO. And since WHO, Taiwan is part of China kaya kasama sila sa travel ban. So can you—
SEC. PANELO: ‘Yan ang perception siguro ng DOH, but I asked the President last night, iyon ang sagot niya – “Nothing to do with it,” sabi niya. “It’s the safety,” very emphatic siya kagabi. “It transcends,” sabi niya, borders kung pinag-uusapan ang kaligtasan ng mga kababayan natin.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: But just to reiterate sir the question of Ate Vanz, what’s the logic of imposing travel ban to Taiwan kung mas marami iyong mga infected cases doon sa Singapore, sa Thailand, other countries? Taiwan, I understand they only have 18 cases.
SEC. PANELO: Eh baka darating tayo doon. Darating siguro tayo doon sa travel ban na iyon.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Uhum… Meaning, we’re also studying the possibility of imposing travel ban to Singapore?
SEC. PANELO: Oo, lahat ‘yan pinag-aaralan. Basta palaging ang sinasabi niya, “My primary concern is the safety, walang iba.”
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Aren’t we concern sir doon sa statement lang po ng Taiwan, of their possible… how do you call it, retaliatory actions?
SEC. PANELO: Oo.. hindi ba sinabi niya they will remove the privilege. Eh dati naman tayong kumukuha ng mga visa eh.
MARICEL HALILI/TV5: Uhum. Okay, thank you sir.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, clarify iyong sagot ninyo. Ibig sabihin okay lang ang Malacañang na matanggalan ng ganoong klaseng privilege ang mga Pilipino?
SEC. PANELO: Hindi sa okay. You know, each country has the right to react on any act perceived or taken by them as against its own interest. Oh, what can we do about it? Eh tayo rin may sarili ding interes na inaalagaan – ang interes ng kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. We understand where the reaction is coming from, but they should also understand why we’re doing it.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Sir, are there efforts to communicate with the Taiwanese government considering na masyado raw po yata silang nainsulto doon sa travel ban?
SEC. PANELO: I understand Lito Banayo is talking with them. Narinig ko siya eh ini-interview.
PIA GUTIERREZ/ABS-CBN: Thank you, sir.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Sir sa POGO. Sa recent Senate inquiry mayroong may tax deficiencies ang mga POGO firms sa bansa, at least 50 billion. Ano ang—?
SEC. PANELO: Then, we will run after them. Very clear naman si Presidente roon eh, no sacred cows in this government. You owe the government, we’ll run after you. The way he did sa Philippine Airlines… saan pa, sa Mighty Cigarette and now the water concessionaires. Lahat iyon, walang sinisino si Presidente eh, basta nagkamali ka, mayroon kang transgression, ah hindi ka palulusutin.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Tapos incidentally sir, si Senator Hontiveros presented a Taiwanese alleged victim na naloko raw, dapat mag—ng trabaho about POGO, tapos iyong boss niya namedrop a certain Michael Yang as a backer of this POGO firm. Michael Yang was reportedly the controversial former Presidential Adviser. Anong—
SEC. PANELO: Eh tsismis lang naman ‘yan. They should file a formal complaint. Hindi naman puwedeng papadaanin nila sa media. If there is a victim, then she should help in giving that victim justice.
TINA MENDEZ/PHILIPPINE STAR: Despite all these concerns sir, President Duterte stand to support – iyong POGO operations, remain? Also, despite China’s call na tigilan ‘tong—that iyong illegal gambling o gambling is banned in their country.
SEC. PANELO: Subject to the prosecution of those violating immigration laws and other laws of the land.
IAN CRUZ/GMA7: Sec., paki klaro lang po. Kanina nabanggit ninyo sa radio na kung sakaling mag-prosper iyong quo warranto sa ABS-CBN, pupuwede pa naman silang mag re-file ng franchise, paano po ba iyon?
SEC. PANELO: Oo, kasi ang renewal naman ‘di ba up to the end of 31, 31 March ba? O March 30 – end of March. O ‘di ibig sabihin ‘pag—kaya nga mayroon silang application for renewal eh, that’s the whole point eh. Ang sinasabi lang naman ni SolGen, kasi tinanong ko siya eh, o sabi ko, “They are complaining, bakit ngayon ka lang daw nag-file.” “Ngayon ko lang na-discover may violation eh.” “Eh bakit daw nag-file ka mag-expire na naman sa March 30.” Eh sabi niya, “Kung hindi ko naman i-file, ‘di ako naman ang idedemanda nila.” O, kaya’t sensible and logical ang—trabaho niya kasi iyon eh. Halimbawa, may nakasilip noong natuklasan niya, pagkatapos eh siya ngayon ang dinemanda for dereliction of duty. O ‘di siya ngayon ang nasa defensive. He’s just doing his duty.
USEC. IGNACIO: No more questions, MPC? Okay, thank you MPC. Thank you, Secretary Panelo.
SEC. PANELO: Thank you.
###
Source: PCOO-NIB (News and Information Bureau-Data Processing Center)
