AFP officers, men free to testify in Garcia probes — spokesman

Military officers and men who have knowledge in the alleged corrupt practices of former Armed Forces comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia are not barred from testifying in courts hearing his plunder case. “If anyone will come forward, we will gladly say our piece. Transparency is very important," said Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta in an interview on Sunday. The Senate blue ribbon committee is set to begin on. Jan. 27 its investigation on Garcia's plunder case. The investigation aims to look into the laws of plea bargaining and whether Garcia was in cahoots with anyone when he allegedly amassed P303.27 million in ill-gotten wealth while he was still in active service. Mabanta made the pronouncement in support of a Malacañang statement urging military officers to testify on the plunder case of Garcia. “We welcome the statement (of Malacañang) and with that in mind, officers who are willing to shed light can make themselves available," said Mabanta. Mabanta said the military is willing to forward to authorities the documents used in the court martial of Garcia, where the former comptroller was found guilty of violating the Articles of War in 2005 and was sentenced with two-year imprisonment with hard labor and was dishonorably discharged from the service. “Remember that the court martial hearing has been already concluded, there is a result already. The transcripts and documentation as regard court martial case versus general Garcia and can be made available if requested," said Mabanta. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte had earlier said military officers who will testify against Garcia will be given protection by the government, vowing that anyone who comes out and speaks the truth will be supported by the Aquino government. Garcia, who was in charge of disbursement of military funds when he held the post of AFP comptroller, is by far the highest-ranking military official undergoing trial by the anti-graft court for the crime of plunder, or graft and corruption on a massive scale. He walked free after entering a guilty plea to direct bribery and Section 4-B of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) before the Sandiganbayan's Second Division, but pleaded not guilty to the charges of plunder and violation of Sec. 4-A of AMLA. Plunder is a non-bailable capital offense punishable by reclusion perpetua. Direct bribery, on the other hand, is punishable by six years to 12 years imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code.- KBK, GMANews.TV