PROBE ALL FORMER AFP CHIEFS, NOT JUST REYES!

The Senate should investigate ALL former Armed Forces chiefs of staff immediately for the alleged multi-million peso ‘pabaon’ and ‘pasalubong’ tradition for military bosses which was revealed yesterday by a whistleblower.

If they don’t, their probe of corruption in the military would be NOTHING LESS than political gimmickry and vendetta by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada against former Armed Forces chief Angelo Reyes.

Reyes allegedly received a P50-million ‘pabaon’ when he retired in 2001 as Armed Forces chief.  If the ‘pabaon’ is true, then Reyes’ predecessors also received the same.

Kaya bakit si Reyes lang ang isasalang? Dapat, lahat ng nauna kay Reyes ay kwestiyunin din para PAREHAS ang laban.

Don’t forget guys, Reyes was chief of staff when the military withdrew its support to Sen. Jinggoy’s dad, former President Erap Estrada, during EDSA 2.  That’ s a very sharp axe to grind for the senator.

Besides, the whistleblower also alleged in the Senate that former Armed Forces chiefs Diomedio Villanueva and Roy Cimatu received P10 million each in ‘pasalubong’ when they assumed office.

That’s two more guys who should explain, apart from Reyes.

Hindi ko kinakampihan s Reyes, magkaliwanagan tayo agad. Ang sa akin lang, imbestigahan ang dapat imbestigahan, hindi iyong kung sino lang ang gusto. Lahat ng tao, may karapatan sa patas na laban kaya dapat, walang personalam.

And before any senator goes anywhere, the Senate must first find out for us taxpayers the following:

Is the ‘pabaon’ and the ‘pasalubong’ LEGAL? What law says so if yes? Since when have these practices been ongoing?

How much has been spent on the ‘pabaon’ and ‘pasalubong’? Who are the beneficiaries? Considering that budgetary constraints have always been the problem of the military,  what services or logistics have been sacrificed so far just to keep the ‘pabaon’ and ‘pasalubong?’

It’s a fact that our soldiers remain as one of the most poorly equipped fighting force in the world.

LIBU-LIBO NG bala at baril, granada o bala ng kanyon, combat boots, helmet, at iba pang kagamitang pang-giyera  ang mabibili na ng bale P70 million – P50 milyon kuno kay Reyes at P20 milyon umano kina Cimatu at Villanueva.

And most of all, what is the purpose of the Provisions for Command Directed Activities (PCDA) fund? Who started it and when? What law authorizes it?  If none, who tolerated it and how much has been amassed and disbursed from it?

I’ll have more questions and observations on this issue in my second blog at 1 p.m. today.

                                                                        ***

Three of our blogmates commented on “How to detect bus bombers:”

RAFAEL GOMEZ of Makati City:

All of us should be aware wherever we are, especially in public places. I'm sure if they will bomb another target, it will not be another bus. I agree with you, Mr. Antonio, wherever we are we should be aware of unattended things but bombs can come in any casing. So when in crowded places like malls, churches, schools and restaurants, we should avoid trash bins, garbage, filthy toilets and other unsuspicious areas. By the way, I heard that this unfortunate incident is being blamed on PNoy coz he ignored the warnings from other countries of the impending terrorist attacks in our country.

LOUIE BALBAGO of Manila:

Keep up the good work, bro! Mabuhay ka!  Nawa’y Diyos ang sumaiyo.  

A lady who asked to be called only as BERNADETTE:

Thanks for the information and suggestions Mr. Antonio and for reminding everyone to be aware whenever and wherever we are in public. Keep up the good work, sir! God Bless!  30