Sue Angie Reyes, Aquino Gov't Told

ANTIPOLO City, Jan. 29, 2011—The militant fisherfolk group, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) challenged President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to file a case against the so-called “GMA Generals.”

In a statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said, it is high time for the Aquino administration to go true with its slogan, “Daang Matuwid,” by filing a case against former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff and Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo T. Reyes for allegedly benefiting from corrupt practices inside the AFP.

The statement came after former Col. George Rebusa disclosed in an inquiry by the Senate on former AFP Comptroller Gen. Carlos Garcia’s plea bargaining agreement for his plunder case, that Reyes received a whooping P50 million send-off money and another P100 million, for the monthly payola of P5 million on the last 20 months of Reyes in the military service.

"The 95 million Filipinos are calling this administration to file plunder and other criminal charges against former defense secretary Reyes and Mr. Aquino should be stopped from treating this case as bargaining leverage to strike deal with the Reyes camp in the name of political accommodation. The ball is now in Malacanang's court," said Hicap.

Hicap also said that the 50-year old bachelor president should also determine the culpability of his predecessor, Pampanga (2nd District) Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, also hounded by corruption issues during her reign as chief executive of the country.

"We believe Mrs. Arroyo is not only privy to Reyes all-out plunder escapade. She gave her blessings to this round-the-clock corruption," Hicap said.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, early this week, Rabusa admitted that he personally delivered, on 2001, the money to the “White House,” Reyes’ then quarters at Camp Aguinaldo. Rebusa said he was accompanied by the then military comptroller, Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot.

On top of the purported send-off gift, Reyes, who later became defense secretary, allegedly received a monthly take of at least P5 million—or around P100 million in his 20 months as AFP chief of staff. Rabusa said he and Ligot made the monthly deliveries.

Rabusa also said Reyes’ office also received another P5 million monthly, but added that the amount was spent for office needs and was not necessarily pocketed by Reyes. (Noel Sales Barcelona)