Oban to CA panel: No more 'pasalubongs, pabaon' in AFP

Philippine military chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. assured a panel of the bicameral Commission on Appointments on Wednesday that there are no more "pabaons" and "pasalubongs" (exit and welcome gifts) in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Oban, who assumed the top AFP post on March 7, made the assurance when he was asked by Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez if he expects to receive a "pabaon" come his retirement on Dec. 13 this year. Alvarez is a member of the CA committee on national defense. Asked by Rep. Rodante Marcoleta if he is confirming the "pabaons" and "pasalubongs," Oban said he only became aware of it based on the allegations raised during the Senate hearings held earlier. The CA panel tackled the appointment of Oban after the latter complied with the submission of the requirements. Oban did not receive any opposition, according to CA committee secretary Arturo Tiu. During the deliberations, Oban was asked on the supposed increase in his net worth despite the fact that his assets remained the same. Oban said this was because he included in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) the updated value of his assets. "I updated the assessed value of the properties I bought way back," Oban told the panel. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, Oban is the third military chief to come from the Philippine Air Force in recent years after Gen. Arnulfo Acedera (Nov. 1996) and Gen. Benjamin Defensor (Sept. 2002). Most of the previous chiefs of staff came from the Army or from the major area commands such as the Southern Command (now divided into the Western Mindanao Command and the Eastern Mindanao Command). Unless extended by President Beningo Aquino III, Oban will serve as AFP chief for only nine months. — RSJ, GMA News