Armed with the intention to ultimately halt the corruption that has stained the reputation of some of its innocent members, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. has recently expressed its willingness to help the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the allegation of corruption within the AFP.
Mabanta said that the AFP is willing to cooperate by providing the DOJ the necessary testimonies and documentary evidences for the immediate punishment of the culprits.
In one with Mabanta’s intent to punish the persons responsible for stashing millions from the national fund is retired budget officer Lt. Col. George Rabusa, who announced last month that he plans to file plunder cases against former military chiefs Diomedio Villanueva and Roy Cimatu,for receiving millions of pesos in forms of “pabaon” or send-off money; former comptroller Carlos Garcia, who currently faces plunder charges for stealing more than P300million ($6.9million) from the government fund; and retired general Jacinto Ligot, who is currently under trial hearing for his questionable wealth and lifestyle while he was AFP comptroller.
Rabusa also told the Senate that former AFP chief Angelo Reyes, who was known to be very close to him, has also received P50million ($1.1million) as pabaon. Caught in the midst of controversies hurled against him, Reyes committed suicide in front of his mother’s grave Feb. 8.
While many consider the testimonials of Rabusa and former state auditor Heidi Mendoza as a revolutionary step towards a corrupt-free government, the same revelations also caused Filipinos to be disheartened over government officials, especially those in the AFP, Pulse Asia survey said.
According to the March 2011 Ulat ng Bayan by Pulse Asia, 48.9 percent of Pinoys believe that the military is the most corrupt agency. Conducted from Feb. 24 until March 6, the survey also revealed that Filipinos prefer congressional hearings on alleged corruption in the government continue.
Mabanta, meanwhile, admitted that the recent turn out of events that involve the AFP has affected the whole agency. However, he assured the public that they will be transparent and will not spare anyone from the AFP during the investigation. He also said that the AFP has already provided personnel and resources that can be useful for the investigation.
Although it can be disappointing at times, news that denote negative issues challenges the people to not just sit, watch or be passive, but also to get involved and let their government know that they are willing to extend help, in whatever way they can, for a better country. It is encouraging that more people are speaking out against those who have used their public position for their own benefit. The Filipinos have come a long way from their meek ways in the past to being the outspoken citizens that they are now. They have proven it not once—but many times and it is never to late to prove it again if it means a better Philippines for the generations to come.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(NYNJ April 1-7, 2011 Sec. A pg. 6)
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