P-Noy to hold pabaon generals accountable

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday vowed to hold the generals involved in the controversial pabaon scandal in the military accountable.

Aquino also said those involved in the plea bargaining agreement with former military comptroller Carlos Garcia would be facing charges.

Aquino urged troops to stay the course as he assured them that all allegations of corruption – including the pabaon or the practice of giving sendoff money to retiring generals – would be investigated.

Speaking to graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) during the alumni homecoming, the President said efforts would be made to determine how raps could be filed against the prosecutors in the Garcia deal.

“We will investigate how we can file charges not only against those tagged in the case but also their cohorts, including the prosecutors involved in the Garcia plea bargaining agreement,” Aquino said.

Aquino hinted at the possibility that the current allegations of corruption could be taken advantage of to destabilize the government.

Aquino rallied the soldiers during the PMA alumni homecoming in Baguio City not to be swayed by people who would want to go back to the old system.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the filing of charges against the prosecutors in Garcia’s plea bargaining deal is being worked out.

Valte noted the curious position taken by the prosecutors in agreeing to the plea bargaining deal with Garcia.

“(Are they defending) the interest of the people or the interest of some? The prosecutors, being a lawyer myself, they are supposed to prosecute to defend the interest of the people, not the interest of one person,” Valte said over radio dzRB.

The investigation into the Garcia plea bargaining agreement has opened up a virtual Pandora’s box that revealed a myriad of irregularities in the military, including the pabaon system and other perks and privileges enjoyed by the top brass.

“I will no longer beat around the bush - your ranks are involved in controversy because of the sendoff gift issue. As your Commander-in-Chief, I know that you are affected by the news and the effect of this on the morale of all the soldiers is no joke. I know that many of you are true to your pledge of courage, integrity, loyalty,” Aquino told the troops.

Aquino gave assurance of full support in the congressional inquiries in uncovering the anomalies in the military organization.

“I am confident that those from the different classes who are with us today are my allies. I will not allow the mistakes of the past to happen again. We will not let this pass; if there were misdeeds committed, they must be paid,” he said.

Aquino said he was aware that the soldiers who were the victims of these alleged anomalies in the military were one with him in wanting to know the truth and cleanse the dirt within their institution.

“If we go with the ones who want to bring our country back to the rotten system, what will happen to us? If putting one over the others is all that will happen, we will end up not only in the swamp cabbage farm but (also) under it. I hope not while we have the chance,” the President said.

Aquino said his administration would investigate and work to press charges not only against Garcia but also “his conspirators and prosecutors” responsible for the plea bargaining agreement.

“I think even they (prosecutors) had also become forgetful. They claim not to have received information that they do not know what they are investigating. Our country is pitiful. Our point here is clear, if there were mistakes committed and there were enough evidence to bring the cases to trial, it is our responsibility to file charges against those involved,” he said.

Aquino said he was quite sure that those who would be proven to have abused their positions have connections or protectors whose liabilities to the people are much bigger.

Aquino called on the troops to continue the straight path to improve their plight.

With the change in the system and wise use of government resources, Aquino said the administration could better address the needs of the military and its personnel.

The President promised to provide housing for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Aquino said he admires the PMA alumni for choosing to defend the country. – Aurea Calica, Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude