Thread by @cnnphilippines

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon says Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade’s designation as spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC violates the Constitution. | @eimorpsantos

Sec. 4, Art. 16 of the Constitution states, “No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government." | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon welcomes the gag order vs. Parlade: The gag order is precisely a recognition that Gen. Parlade is not helping the government cause because of what he has been doing. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon reiterates the need for President Duterte to realign the ₱19-B budget of NTF-ELCAC to prioritize COVID-19 cash aid and the vaccination program. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon: In fairness, I am not aware of any official in Malacañang who has endorsed the statements of Parlade that the senators are stupid. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon on Parlade's remark calling senators stupid: I don’t recall a member of the Armed Forces insulting the Senate and the senators in this matter. Hindi po pwedeng palalampasin ito. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon on realigning the ₱16-billion fund of the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program: You have funds for livelihood from DA, DTI, DENR, DOLE. It’s not as if you cannot address the needs of the 822 barangays. | @eimorpsantos

Does the NTF-ELCAC budget duplicate funds of other agencies?
Drilon: We don't discount that there can be duplication. If you just look on paper, the definition of functions of different agencies involved in livelihood, education, health, there can be duplications. @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon: I’m not saying there are double disbursements. This is why we require them to submit a report so we can check these disbursements. This is part of our oversight functions. | @eimorpsantos

On the sea row with China, Sen. Drilon supports AFP’s proposal to build structures in West PH Sea: This adds strength to our assertion that these are part of our territory. Putting up physical structures is proof of occupation on the part of the Philippines. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon on PH's proposed construction activities in West PH Sea: It should not increase tension but if it does, then, that is a price we have to pay for asserting our sovereignty over what is rightfully ours. | @eimorpsantos

Sen. Drilon says 8 other senators have expressed support for the resolution he will file condemning the illegal activities of China in the West PH Sea. They are Senators Recto, Pangilinan, Hontiveros, De Lima, Poe, Gordon, Binay, Villanueva. | @eimorpsantos