RP vow to wipe out graft in military
RP vow to wipe out graft in military
Agence France-Presse, Manila
President Gloria Arroyo swore into office a new military chief of
staff here on Friday, ordering him to wipe out corruption in the
armed forces.
Lt. Gen. Efren Abu took over from Gen. Narciso Abaya, who
retired on Friday after suggesting that the "shabby" treatment of
the military amid a wide-ranging corruption probe could trigger a
coup attempt.
Abu promptly abolished the position of deputy chief of staff
following allegations that the former holder of that post, Maj.
Gen. Carlos Garcia had amassed a huge fortune illegally.
Arroyo said Abu would oversee the forthcoming court martial of
Garcia and the investigation of other officers for possible
graft. She did not identify any other suspects.
"Now, the weight of promulgating military justice bears
heavily on the shoulders of the new chief of staff," Arroyo said.
"In this heavy task, you have my full support."
The military has said Garcia will be charged with unbecoming
conduct for false declarations of his assets and possession of a
"Green Card" as a permanent resident of the United States. He
could also face additional charges in a civilian court.
Garcia and members of his family allegedly brought nearly US$1
million into the United States over 10 years while he was earning
about $7,200 a year.
Some legislators have used Garcia's example to lambast the
entire military command, alleging they must also be involved in
corruption.
Saying that the armed forces were "getting this shabby
treatment even from fellow workers in government," Abaya warned
that "coup attempts, like corruption scandals, have a way of
catching fire," especially when fanned by a sensationalist media.
The corruption issue has prompted speculation of a military
destabilization attempt against Arroyo similar to the short-lived
military mutiny in July 2003 by junior officers who accused their
superiors of corruption.
Abu also warned that the military's preoccupation with the
corruption scandal could be exploited by "enemies of the state."
"The enemies of the state watch -- they watch our every move
and threaten to strike at the slightest opportunity," he said,
adding that those intent on "destabilizing and destroying our
institutions" would not succeed.
The Philippine military is fighting an 8,600-strong Maoist
communist insurgency. It has also been dealing with threats from
local allies of the militant al-Qaeda and the Jamaah Islamiyah
networks.
Arroyo said she would not allow the armed forces to be
"dishonored."
"The majority of our officers and soldiers are men and women
of courage, integrity and duty," Arroyo said as she scorned
"those who are trying to drive a wedge" between her and the
military.