Business · Philippines Bureau
Palace dismisses senator's concerns over NBI travel tracking
Malacañang told Senator Pia Cayetano there is no cause for alarm if she has committed no wrongdoing, after she expressed fears about her freedom and right to speak following revelations that the National Bureau of Investigation monitored her travel movements and return from Singapore.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippine government on Friday downplayed concerns raised by Senator Pia Cayetano regarding surveillance of her movements, asserting that citizens with nothing to hide need not worry about law enforcement monitoring.
Cayetano had previously stated she "fears" for her personal liberty and freedom of expression after discovering that the National Bureau of Investigation tracked her international travel, particularly her return from Singapore. The senator's remarks signaled growing unease over the scope of intelligence activities directed at political figures.
The Palace's response suggested the monitoring was routine and implied that concern over such surveillance indicated potential culpability. Officials cited NBI Director Melvin Matibag's recent statements in their defense, though the exact nature of the investigation into Cayetano remained unclear.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between lawmakers and executive agencies over surveillance practices and the balance between national security operations and individual rights. Cayetano's concerns reflect broader questions about the scope of NBI authority and accountability in monitoring high-profile individuals.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of intelligence and law enforcement activities in the Philippines, with civil society groups increasingly calling for clearer guidelines governing surveillance of citizens, particularly those in public office.