Resolution Creating a Select Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Confidential Funds, Programs and Activities

February 10, 2020

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 36

RESOLUTION CREATING A SELECT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AND CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

WHEREAS, during the Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Congresses, a Senate Select Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Confidential Funds, Programs and Activities (the "Select Oversight Committee"), was created on 12 August 1997, 20 October 1998, 02 October 2001, 26 January 2005, 17 August 2009, 24 August 2010, 21 January 2014, and 08 May 2017, respectively;

WHEREAS, in light of the recent threats to our country's national security, including disturbance to peace and order by lawless elements, the importance of gathering intelligence information by concerned government agencies cannot be overstated;

WHEREAS, considering the nature of the intelligence and confidential funds which are usually not subject to the regular auditing rules and procedures of the Commission on Audit, there is a need to reconstitute the Select Oversight Committee to enable the Senate to oversee the efficiency of concerned government institutions in the production of accurate and timely intelligence information to better deal with the threats to national security, including the maintenance of peace and order, thereby providing a safety environment and secure place of abode to the people;

WHEREAS, in the 2020 General Appropriations Act, P9.601B is allocated for Intelligence and Confidential Funds, to implement programs and activities of the government, relative to national defense, peace and order, and national security;

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the Senate to reactivate the Select Oversight Committee in the Eighteenth Congress to continue exercising its oversight functions over the use, disbursement and expenditures of confidential and intelligence funds granted to certain government agencies; and to provide vigilant legislative oversight over the conduct of aforesaid intelligence activities, sources, methods, and programs;

WHEREAS, Section 14, Rule X of the Rules of the Senate provides that: "Whenever necessary, special committees shall be organized, the membership and jurisdiction of which shall be determined by the Senate President": Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, as it is hereby resolved, To create a Select Oversight Committee which shall be composed of the following: a) the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation as Chairman of the Select Oversight Committee; b) four (4) members representing the majority; and c) two (2) members representing the minority.

Resolved, further, That the Select Oversight Committee shall have the following powers and functions:

1) To investigate the efficiency of relevant government agencies in their use of intelligence and confidential funds for the prevention of crimes, apprehension of criminals, and protection of the national security and territorial integrity of the State, and to ensure that appropriate departments and agencies provide informed and timely intelligence on public order and national security;

2) To conduct hearings, investigations, receive testimonies and reports relevant to its mandate;

3) To summon by subpoena any witness to testify before it, or require by subpoena duces tecum the production of documents, books, records, and other papers as may be necessary in the performance of its functions;

4) To require all heads of departments and agencies of the Philippines involved in intelligence activities to keep the Select Oversight Committee fully and currently informed concerning intelligence activities, including any significant anticipated activities which are the responsibility of, or engaged in, by such department or agency;

5) To secure from any department, bureau, office, or instrumentality of Government any assistance as may be needed, including technical information, preparation and production of reports, and submission of recommendations and plans as it may require;

6) To recommend the adoption of legislation and other legislative measures pursuant to its findings;

7) To prescribe and adopt guidelines that will govern its work;

8) To organize its staff, hire and appoint its employees and personnel, and approve the budget for the work of the Select Oversight Committee and all disbursements, including compensation of personnel; and

9) Generally, to exercise such other acts as necessary and appropriate to carry out its purposes.

Adopted,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO IIIPresident of the Senate

This Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2020.

 

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICASecretary of the Senate