President Benigno S. Aquino III hands-over the Saber to Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. during the Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters grandstand of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo last July 18. Retiring AFP Chief Emmanuel Bautista has been replaced by Lt. General Catapang (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – House Defense Committee chairman Rodolfo Biazon wants more evidence on the alleged destabilization plot against President Aquino, saying it is unfair to link retired military officers supposedly loyal to former President Arroyo of involvement in the plot.
Biazon said he does not see a need for his panel to conduct an investigation on the alleged destabilization.
However, he said he will start the investigation if a congressman files a resolution to that effect.
“Sa mga coup attempts, marami nasira ang buhay diyan. It will be unfair for those living peaceful lives to be dragged into this. It is unfair to those so-called Arroyo generals. Not all of them did anything to be serving under President Arroyo. Kaya sila andun, yun trabaho nila eh. Yung walang kakibo-kibo, nababanggit pangalan. Kung meron tayong sapat na ebidensiya, dapat yan lumabas para yung nababanggit na walang kamuwang, kailangan malaman natin kung meron yan,” he said.
Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief, said he made some inquiries and saw there was no reason for the military to go against the current commander in chief.
He noted that President Benigno Aquino III has poured more money into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program than his immediate predecessors combined, and that Aquino also worked on the benefits and compensation of the active members of the AFP.
He also pointed out that active AFP members are aware that Aquino remains popular.
Biazon is concerned that any plots may distract the government from working on more pressing issues while spooking away business investors.
The alleged coup plot is being linked to retired generals who served under the Arroyo administration.
Biazon, however, said, “Sa mga retirado, in fairness to those names being mentioned, kasi meron tayong traditional suspects whenever issue of destabilization comes up, may mga traditional suspects…Aking nakita, karamihan diyan nanahimik na nagugulo na naman buhay dahil nababanggit kanilang mga pangalan. No reason to be concerned, no reason to conduct investigation unless additional information is provided that would compel conduct of investigation.”
He said retired officers have nothing else to do but meet and talk about anything including current issues.
Biazon did ask government to work on the pension of AFP retirees.
Meanwhile, the congressman reminded the administration that Aquino’s health is a public issue. “Citizenry must know ano ba kalagayan ng pangulo.”
Aquino’s sister, Kris, had said on national television that she wished her brother would stay alive, triggering speculations on his health. (MNS)