Corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is facing a great challenge at present. A senate investigation about corruption in the organization is conducted almost everyday. Allegedly, retired high ranking AFP officials (generals specifically) stole millions of pesos from the AFP funds. This shocked the nation, most of all the ordinary soldiers. They are probably in low moral nowadays. I can't blame them. These members of the defense force who put their lives in danger everyday in the course of war are meagerly paid. Their wages are insufficient to give their families a decent life, and here are their leaders, living in multi-million mansions.
Corruption in the Philippines is not new. Many politicians and people who work in government agencies are corrupt. "Red tape" is rampant. But, I am still surprise that AFP is not an exception of this moral perversion called "corruption." When I think of AFP, I think of honor, integrity, chivalry, valor, gallantry. But what is going on now tainted this belief. More so when the people involve are the leaders, the educated; people who are supposed to be ideal exemplars under their leadership.
The death of former AFP Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes today was a shocker. He's one of the retired AFP officials being investigated of the corruption in the organization. Accordingly, the cause of his death is suicide. Investigators said that they did not find any evidence of foul play. Friends and people close to him suspected that the effects of the ongoing Senate probe was the reason behind why he opted to take his own life. I wished he was brave enough to confront the allegations against him whether he is guilty or not. I wished he didn't end like this. If he was guilty, I wished he gave himself a chance to correct the wrong by admitting and testifying everything that he knew, and bravely confront the consequences of his actions. If he was innocent, I wished he fought for himself, for his family, for everyone in the AFP. It's a sad ending of a life that was once filled with colors, be it with his family life or his service in the government.
It is my deepest hope that the Senate inquiry regarding this sensational issue ends with a significant result, specially that one life was already wasted. Please give the AFP members what they deserve. Bring back their trust. Lift up their morals.
Keeping my eyes and ears open, and see whether the House of the Senate is still effective and valuable.
