Palace backs ISAFP, denies using spy gadgets vs. opposition

Malacañang on Tuesday backed the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) in denying that the Aquino administration had purchased gadgets to spy on the opposition.

“[ISAFP chief Brigadier] General [Eduardo] Año has already said that there is no truth to that particular report,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a press conference.

A recent report on the Daily Tribune said the government had purchased P135 million worth of high-end surveillance equipment to spy on critics of President Benigno Aquino III.

Valte, however, said Aquino has always made sure that government assets are “used properly and... utilized for the correct purposes.”

“And I am not quite sure if you can point out any specific instance under this administration that those assets have been misused,” she said.

Valte added that there is no need to speculate that the government assets would be used for other purposes.

“In the first place, any procurement of equipment is based, really, on the needs of the agency,” she pointed out.  — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News