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Magdalo group's accusations, grievances and demands


Accusations
  • The Arroyo Administration sold arms and ammunition to enemy groups as the soldiers continued to defend the government; the 30-year war against such groups as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Abu Sayyaf, and the New People's Army (NPA) was being used by corrupt officials to enrich themselves
  • The Arroyo administration ordered the bombings in Davao City through the special operations team of Secretary Reyes and General Corpus, and then ascribed these bombings to the MILF so that President Arroyo's request for more anti-terrorist support from the United States would be strengthened
  • The Arroyo administration planned to declare Martial Law in August 2003 after a period of planned bombings all over Metro Manila, which would be attributed to various enemy groups
Demands
  • The resignation of the leaders of the Arroyo administration -- immediate removal from office of Reyes, Corpus and Ebdane, who were perceived as incompetent or irresponsible in their respective commands
  • Implementation of the National Recovery Program, which is the only "true solution" to the primary problems that beset the country
Grievances and specific issues raised
  • Corruption in the government, including the AFP and PNP
  • Corrupt and self-serving politicians
  • Disparity in salaries of AFP and PNP personnel
  • Funds that do not flow down to operating units and troops
  • The powerful "comptroller family" that controls and manipulates funds, and enjoys promotions and juicy positions
  • The big difference between the Army's combat pay and the Air Force's flying pay
  • "Militics" and patronage leadership in the AFP hierarchy
  • Micromanagement by the Secretary of National Defense
  • Insufficient supply of medicines at the AFP Medical Center