My statement on the death of former AFP Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes

Reyes, Victim of Pervasive Corruption

We are deeply saddened by the turn of events. We condole with the family of the late Secretary Angelo Reyes. It is tragic that what started out as an investigation in aid of legislation has led to his apparent suicide. Death is not a graceful exit to such a distinguished officer as Secretary Reyes. A more honorable way would have been to come out with the truth and win back the admiration of his fellow soldiers. This is now the challenge the other generals are facing.

In light of this very sad incident, we urge our colleagues to expedite the investigation on the irregularities within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. To bring the system of corruption to light is to give justice and meaning to Reyes’ death. Reyes is a victim of a corrupt system. If his death should have any meaning, it should lead to real reforms in the armed forces in particular, and the entire government bureaucracy in general.

We should not let this incident deter our efforts in curbing pervasive corruption. In fact, this brings a degree of urgency to PNoy’s advocacy against corruption. For how many sad stories must our countrymen be subjected to before we see true justice being served? Justice cannot be served this way; not through trial by publicity, but by a strong justice system.

Image Source: Global Balita

To our soldiers: Rally behind Mendoza and Rabusa

Tiwala tayo na agad na aaksyunan ni PNoy ang usapin ng tiwaling mga palakad sa AFP. Ito ang isang mabigat na dahilan kung bakit hanggang ngayon hindi matapos-tapos ang giyera sa Mindanao at kanayunan. Dahil sa halip na pagsusundalo ang inaatupag ng mga heneral ay pabaon at paano magpayaman ang prioridad ng mga ito. Wala silang interes na matapos ang bakbakan dahil kapag nangyari ito ay mababawasan ang gastusin sa AFP na maaari pa nilang nakawin. Kawawa ang ating mga kawal. Buhay ang binubuwis para sa AFP habang ang mga heneral ay walang sawa sa pabaon at kurakot. Hamon sa liderato ng AFP na ipakita na tunay nga na hindi na ganito ang palakad sa ating sandatahang lakas.

Sa ating mga kawal, huwag ninyong tingnan na balakid ang pangyayaring ito. Kundi, dapat ay tingnan ito na pagkakataon na linisin ang sandatahang lakas na kapag natupad ay hindi lamang bagong bota, pabahay, o pag-aaral ng inyong mga anak ang matatamasa ninyo. Dagdag pa sa mga ito ay ang malaking posibilidad na wala nang giyera sa ating bansa kung maayos ang ating lipunan.

Image Source: Quoted News

Let the generals face the music

Government must take the cue from Rabusa’s testimony and dig deeper. If he is indeed telling the truth, his confession gives our investigators serious leads that if pursued may unearth more evidence to buttress his claims of plunder. Bank records must be subpoenaed and bank officials ought to cooperate or face criminal liability themselves for being in complicity with those who may have committed the crime of plunder. The anti-money laundering council too must move quickly to look into these accounts and check if indeed they exist, or existed in the past. These are pieces of documentary evidence that are very difficult to disprove because authentic documents cannot lie.

Rabusa has given the government the lead; it is the government’s turn to unearth what has to be unearthed—even if it means generals past and present will now have to face the music.