Finally, Celiz bared source of wrong info on Romualdez travel fund – solon

MANILA, Philippines — Jeffrey Celiz, the controversial Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) host who was ordered detained for not revealing his source of wrong information on Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s travel expenses, has already disclosed his informant’s name.

Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, the House committee on legislative franchises chairperson, broke the news in a chance interview, adding that he had talked to Celiz and former undersecretary Lorraine Badoy.

Both Celiz and Badoy were cited for contempt — Celiz for not revealing his source and Badoy for supposedly giving conflicting answers regarding where SMNI’s Laban Kasama ng Bayan sources its advertising revenues.

“Well, I asked them if they’re willing to divulge the person, and to me, because they refused to say it in the executive session, and yes, a name was given.  There is a source,” Tambunting said.

“I will have to discuss this, of course, with the committee and the Speaker and the Senate president.  We will have to validate […] male,” he added.

Tambunting also noted that the source was not a staffer of any senator in the 19th Congress.

SMNI found itself in hot waters after Celiz claimed Speaker Romualdez had a P1.8 billion travel expense, which the House debunked, with Secretary General Reginald Velasco saying it was only P39.60 million for the entire House.

The issue has resulted in an investigation where some lawmakers believe SMNI breached rules stated in its franchise, which can be grounds for revocation.

During the first hearing, Celiz eventually apologized to the House and Romualdez for airing unverified data, adding that it was given to him by a source from the Senate.  He also admitted that the P1.8 billion travel expense was the wrong figure.

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