Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)

The House Committee on Appropriations chaired by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is out to determine accountability from government agencies on the use of their intelligence funds. 

This, after Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and other high profile suspects managed to fly out of the country purportedly right under the authorities' noses. 

"Congress takes the allocation and use of intelligence funds very seriously. The escape of former Mayor Alice Guo despite an immigration lookout bulletin is an incident of great concern," Co said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 24. 

"Isama na din natin ang kaso nina Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at dating BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) Chief Gerald Bantag, na hanggang ngayon'y 'di pa rin nahuhuli," noted the Bicol solon. 

(Let's include the cases of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former BuCor Chief Gerald Bantag, who up to now haven't been caught.) 

"These incidents are alarming because they raise serious questions on use of funds for security and law enforcement," Co said. 

Guo, a central figure in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) controversy, reportedly left the country on July 18. 

While these might seem isolated incidents, Co said there's a need to review how intel funds are being utilized. 

"Kailangang siguruhin nating ang bawat piso ng intelligence funds ay nagagamit nang tama at epektibo." 

(We need to ensure that each peso of the intelligence funds is used properly and effectively.) 

"We want to prevent these lapses from happening again by ensuring stronger oversight and accountability," he stressed. 

The panel chairman said Congress will continue to scrutinize the budgets of agencies with intelligence funds. 

"Hindi natin hahayaang masayang ang pera ng bayan (We won't let public funds get wasted). The goal is to make sure every peso serves its purpose. Congress will not take this matter lightly," he said. 

The Committee on Appropriations is the main panel that handles the budget process in the House of Representatives.