‘US happy with RP tack vs corruption’

Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City — The US government has hailed the Arroyo administration’s determination to weed out corruption in government and the embattled military establishment.

US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone said yesterday Washington is "heartened" to know of President Arroyo’s resolve to "root out corruption in government" and of the investigation being conducted by the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into alleged corrupt practices in the military.

"We take heart that the AFP leadership will investigate," said Ricciardone, who was special guest at the 106th foundation anniversary of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here, referring to the probe on the purported amassing of unexplained wealth by former military finance chief Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia.

Ricciardone said the American government is confident that leaders of the Philippine government, including the military, "can succeed against the test of corruption."

But he stressed that transparency and accountability are two very important ingredients in achieving modernization of the Philippine military.

"This (investigation) must be from top to bottom," he said, amid suggestions from lawmakers holding an inquiry into Garcia’s alleged ill-gotten wealth that corruption is believed to be deeply rooted in the AFP.

"If we fail to see reforms then we will lose confidence but this will not happen. You are acting on great determination. I have confidence in your country. I think you’re going to do it," Ricciardone said, adding that signs from the probe "are most encouraging."

The US ambassador vowed that Americans will be on the side of the Filipino soldiers’ path to modernization by continuing to support the AFP modernization program via a systemic reform initiative forged by Mrs. Arroyo and US President George W. Bush during official visits.

"We are demonstrating American support," he said.

Ricciardone was referring to the Philippine defense reform initiative anchored on the US government’s support to modernize the military.

This program, he said, is a comprehensive multi-year program that tackles reforms in legislation, policy and organization change in the military which will result in "a performance on the highest potential."

Ricciardone, together with outgoing AFP chief Gen. Narciso Abaya and PMA superintendent Brig. Gen. Cristolito Balaoing, led the cornerstone laying for the US Service Academies memorial at the PMA.

Abaya, who was guest of honor and speaker at the PMA’s anniversary rites, pointed out that a full-scale cleansing of the military is already being conducted.

Abaya, who bows out of the service on Oct. 29 on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, rallied PMA cadets and PMA alumni to support incoming AFP chief Lt. Gen. Efren Abu in pursuing reforms and transforming the AFP into a more responsive and mission-effective organization worthy of the trust and respect of the Filipino people.

"Let this setback be the catalyst that shall accelerate the advancement of reforms," Abaya said.