DND forms panel to probe alleged corruption in military

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has ordered the formation of a special investigation committee that would to look into the alleged corruption in the Armed Forces as claimed by a former military budget officer. In a statement released Friday, Gazmin said the investigating committee will be composed of senior officials of the Defense Department. He likewise said that the panel will be given 30 days to come up with a report to be submitted to him. "More than ever, we in the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP reiterate our vow to remain open and transparent. This is in full support to the commander-in-chief’s policies," said Gazmin, a former commanding general of the Philippine Army. The DND chief made the statement after former AFP budget officer Army Col. George Rabusa revealed during Thursday's Senate hearing that former military chiefs of staff received hefty sums of money during their term and "pabaon" (send-off money) upon retirement.
In an interview with reporters, DND spokesman Eduardo Batac said that their newly-formed committee will look into Rabusa's allegations and also into other "procurement and financial irregularities" that had happened before in the military. He likewise said that they will support any similar investigation that will be conducted by "competent authorities." "The guidance of the (defense secretary) is to follow the system strictly... this is going to be a collaborative effort," he said. Gazmin noted, however, that they have already been initiating "significant institutional reforms" within the military ever since the P300-million plunder case was filed against former AFP comptroller Gen. Carlos Garcia. “Those who are proven to have participated in corrupt practices will be punished accordingly. We have strengthened our internal checks and balances to discourage corruption within the institution," he said. He likewise said that such practices would have no place in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. "Whatever happened in the past, things are different now. We will strictly follow the President’s policy of accountability and transparency. There will be no such practices. Not on my watch," Gazmin said. Rabusa served as budget officer during the time of Garcia as J6 (deputy chief of staff for comptrollership, now defunct) and Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, Garcia's predecessor. — with Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMANews.TV