Palace: Drilon, Abad to discuss intel funds

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Senate finance committee chairman Franklin Drilon will hold discussions on how to ensure transparency in spending government intelligence funds, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said it will not be hard for the two to discuss the matter as they are party-mates in the Liberal Party. “The two are members of the same party. This is something they can discuss. Let’s wait for the outcome of their discussions, I’m sure they can talk things out," he said on government-run dzRB radio. Earlier, Drilon was quoted as pushing for stricter means to audit intelligence funds. Lacierda said that while the Aquino administration promotes transparency, “hindi natin alam ano ang specific plans ni Secretary Abad." “Part of our good governance cluster is a call for transparency but this is on the topic of intelligence funds," he said. — LBG, GMA News