Aquino orders detention of Garcia in Bilibid Prison

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has ordered the detention of former military comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said it is the discretion of Aquino, as the commander-in-chief, to order where Garcia should be detained. “Discretion ng Pangulo na ilagay siya sa Bilibid," Lacierda told GMA News Online over the phone Friday. No special treatment to be given to Garcia, Lacierda said. “We can be certain of that. No VIP treatment to be given to anyone." Lacierda said Aquino only confirmed the decision which the general court martial handed down on December 2, 2005. Garcia's arrest Garcia was arrested in his residence in Quezon City on Friday morning. The court martial found Garcia guilty of violating Articles of War 96, or conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman; and Articles of War 97, or conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline. The charges stemmed from Garcia's alleged misrepresentation of the value of his assets in 2002 and 2003, and for possession of US permanent resident status while still in the active service. Garcia retired in November 2004. Garcia was sentenced with two years in prison with hard labor and discharged from service. Lacierda clarified that the case is distinct from the plunder case Garcia is facing before the Sandiganbayan. “This is a recommendation from the military court system. It was never confirmed by the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her term, so we are merely confirming the decision of the military court or the court martial," he said. Earlier this year, the Sandiganbayan approved the plea bargaining agreement of Garcia with the Office of the Ombudsman, which allowed him to plead guilty to two lesser offenses and to post bail despite a P303-million plunder case filed against him. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales asked for 15 days to review Garcia’s case. The Sandiganbayan gave her 30 days to review the records. — VVP/MRT, GMA News