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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Plunder and Gen. Ligot Written April 19, 2005 For the Manila Standard, April 21 issue The story on Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot, who retired from the AFP in August 2004, and his wife Erlinda Yambao Ligot and their children first appeared in the December 06, 2004 issue of the investigative newsmagazine Newsbreak. This story can be accessed in the archives of Newsbreak on www.inq7.net. I picked up the Newsbreak story on January 11, 2005 and quoted substantial excerpts from it in my column titled �Military Secrets,� in the January 13 issue of the Manila Standard. Said article can be accessed at www.tapatt.org. The gist of the Newsbreak story was that, like Gen. Carlos F. Garcia and wife and children before them, Gen. Ligot and his wife and children have acquired substantial assets and property that cannot be explained by Ligot�s P35,000 monthly salary in the military. From April 1995 to May 1996, he was Army comptroller. From November 1999 to March 2002, he was chief comptroller (J6) of the entire AFP, the immediate predecessor of Gen. Garcia. Among the recently acquired property of the Ligots, according to Newsbreak, are: a. A house at 7102 Stanton Ave., Buena Park, California, purchased with cash in 2002, at the price of $183,868. b. A house at 1240 S. Cabernet Circle, Anaheim, California, purchased on Dec. 23, 2003 at the price of $504,000, with cash and a loan. c. Unit 19-A at the plush Lawton Tower, Essensa East Forbes Condominium, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Units at this floor and location are priced at between P22 million and P26 million. The Ligots made their first payment of the property tax in January 2004. d. Various agricultural properties in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, where Gen. Ligot served as commander of the Army�s 403rd Infantry Brigade, from June 1996 to October 1999. Said the Newsbreak article: �Asked to explain, Mrs. Ligot said in a phone interview that she was able to raise the money in the past and that she bought the US properties supposedly without her husband�s knowledge, with friends whom she refused to name. �On the Essensa property, she said it really belongs to her brother, Gerry Yambao, except that he has yet to pay her back. Gerry Yambao didn�t want his name in the property records because he is going through divorce proceedings with his wife, Mrs. Ligot explained.� (Curiously, this was similar to the explanation given several years ago by spouses Jose Miguel and Gloria Arroyo on why a San Francisco property registered in their name really belonged to his brother, Jose Ignacio, of later Jose Pidal fame. ACA). As with Gen. Carlos F. Garcia last March 15, Clean Hands Inc., with Private Lawyers Frank I. Chavez and Mario E. Ongkiko, its chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, together with Private Lawyer Wilfredo M. Garrido, have filed a complaint for plunder against Gen. Ligot, Jane Doe, Joanne Doe and John Doe. The complainants allege that the Respondent Ligot amassed properties worth more than P66.9 million, which cannot be explained by his salaries and other legitimate incomes. Nor do these properties appear in his Statements of Assets and Liabilities. In addition, records from the Bureau of Immigration show that wife Erlinda Ligot traveled abroad 28 times from 1998 to 2004, which represent expenditures way beyond his means. The crime of Plunder, under Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7080, as amended by Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7659, is defined as follows: �Any public officer who, by himself or in connivance with members of his family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt criminal acts as described in Section 1 (d) hereof of aggregate amount or total value of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) shall be guilty of the crime of plunder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua to death�.� To support their complaint, the complainants have submitted copies of Gen. Ligot�s relevant income tax returns; statements of tax withheld; statements of assets, liabilities and net worth; declarations of real property for the Bukidnon assets; declaration of real property for the Essensa condominium (in the name of Erlinda Tecson Y. Ligot); US Property Profiles for the houses in California (both in the name of Erlinda Y. Ligot); and Bureau of Immigration computer printouts on the travels abroad from 1998 to 2004 of Erlinda Y. Ligot (28) and Jacinto Ligot (2). An interesting page in the Bureau of Immigration printouts is one that itemizes the travels abroad of Erlinda Y. Ligot in the company of one Teresita Reyes (together in 12 departures and 10 arrivals), who may or may not be the wife of Angelo Reyes, who was AFP Chief-of-Staff, later Secretary of National Defense, during the period covered (Sept. 4, 1999 to Aug. 8, 2004). By a strange coincidence, the favorite traveling companion of Clarita D. Garcia, wife of Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia, Ligot�s successor as AFP comptroller (who has also been charged with plunder, amounting to P108 million, by Chavez et al.) was also named Teresita Reyes. When the Teresita Reyes who is the wife of now DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes was interviewed by media, she admitted that she has indeed made 50 trips abroad (not 48, she corrected media) in the past six years, but that she paid her way with her own money, being a successful businesswoman. When I wrote my article �Plunder and Gen. Garcia� last March 22 and asked readers to send in their words of support and encouragement, we were overwhelmed with the email we got from Filipinos both here and abroad. Thank you very much. There is a huge middle-class constituency out there who are sick and tired of the official corruption in this country and are looking for new leaders (the current ones are discredited and inutile) who have the courage and the anger to do something about it. I do not know how this will play out in the end. But this is only the second in a series of plunder charges that Chavez and Ongkiko and Clean Hands Inc. will file in the coming weeks and months. They deserve everyone�s enthusiastic support. Again I ask you to send in your words of encouragement. And again I ask you to forward this article to your friends, colleagues, relatives and egroups and ask them also to send in their words of support to [email protected], with copies furnished to Chavez at [email protected] and Ongkiko at [email protected]. Reactions to [email protected] or fax 824-7642. Other articles in www.tapatt.org. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to �Plunder and Gen. Ligot� Sir I have been living in Europe since 1962 but haven't given up my intent on returning home for good on retirement. It saddens me most tremendously that our benighted country hasn't done away with graft and corruption from the highest to the lowest echelon of officialdom in all these years. With you and your group, there still is some hope that these criminal practices will at least be instrumental in furthering our countrymen's awareness of this sorry situation alive. This certainly is something positive to start with. I'll try helping in making your earnest endeavour be heralded across borders. Thank you and more power to you Virgil C. Bernarte, [email protected] Switzerland, April 21, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Greetings! I'm here again with a rather comic reaction to your "Plunder and Col. Ligot" appearing in the Manila Standard Today, April 21, 2005 issue. Thank you. Joe Seguerra, [email protected] April 21, 2005 == This is an unverified account that came about during the court hearing on the unexplained wealth of a retired general: PROSECUTOR: "How have you managed to buy such a luxurious condominium when your income in the military is so low?". GENERAL (finally breaking his silence after invoking his oft repeated rights of self-incrimination): "Well, while fishing some years ago, I have caught a large golden fish. When I took it off the hook, the fish opened his mouth and said, 'I am a magical fish. Throw me back to the sea and I'll give you the condominium you wanted most for your family'. I threw the fish back to the sea, and got the condominium." PROSECUTOR: "How can you prove such an unbelievable story?" GENERAL: "Well, you can see the condominium, can't you? wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I am in full support of your efforts to expose official corruption. Carry on. I do hope Clean Hands Inc. can dig out the sordid facts about Teresita Reyes. What is her business that she was able to make 50 trips abroad within six years? That is one trip every six weeks. I tend to think even a big businessman or big exporter does not travel that frequently. He or she has to attend to his or her business here or abroad. The only persons I know who travel that much are regional executives of multinationals who have to do the rounds of overseas operations regularly. What about that brigadier general who was able to build a house in Ayala Alabang in 1985? Oscar Lagman, [email protected] April 21, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I have never wavered in my admiration and support for Mr. Chavez, even when he lost in the elections. The guy is exceedingly honest and an untiring crusader for good government. I wish him, as always, the best of luck in his latest public service - this time directed against crooked military officials. I hope he gets them all behind bars. I am forwarding your article to 7 egroups that I am a member, and to all my friends and relatives. I wish I could do more. God bless you, all, including you Tony, all crusaders for the betterment of the Filipino life. Thanks to you fellas, you really help in redeeming our hopes for a better tomorrow. We owe you guys. Lovely day, isn't it, Tony? Ogie Reyes, [email protected] April 22, 2005 MY LIFE. Lovely. Lovelier still when the bastards are in jail for life. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Let us all hope and pray that someone will finally sit up and take notice. One despairs when the likes of Imelda Marcos are still free and enjoying the good life and making a mockery of Filipino justice. More power to you in your endeavors Brian Harber, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Rest assured that I always forward your articles appropriately to people in my mailing list. Please let the people behind Clean Hands Inc., specifically Atty. Frank I. Chavez and Atty. Mario E. Ongkiko, as well as Atty. Wilfredo M. Garrido, know that they have many supporters among the Pinoy expat community worldwide. They also have the support of the many Filipino students here in the UK (undergrads and postgrads). Gentlemen, may your tribe increase. Fe Abogadie, [email protected] United Kingdom, April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww However ill America is described by some or by many, one thing that is good with the American system is its relative transparency (relative, because there will still be some crooks that get away). If any of this scandal leaks out to the public, it becomes almost automatic that officials being accused of resign from their post. Even with the resignation, culpability is still pursued until justice is rendered. Martha Stewart's only crime was that she lied in the federal investigation, and she got jailed and still is under house arrest. Morality it seems is a very strange word in the Philippines. For us living abroad and still hoping that we will have the chance of going back home, scandals like this become an affirmation that our decision to leave was the right one. . . a selfish attitude, maybe, but that is another issue altogether. But then again, when we hear crusaders like you exposing the truth, our hopes are lit up. Keep on pushing. The nation needs people like you. Arnel Serrano, [email protected] California, April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Great work. Keep up the pressure! J. Campos, [email protected] World Bank Washington DC, April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Attorneys Chavez and Ongkiko are doing a good, if not the greatest service to the country, greater than all that GMA has done put together. I would like to support them not only morally, but also financially. I am sure money is also necessary for such a difficulty and long-drawn undertaking that the two gentlemen have imposed upon themselves. If there is a fund already established to help defray the cost of the lawsuits, I would like to make a token contribution. Where should I send it? Yours very truly, Virgilio C Leynes, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Tukayu, Tony Abaya, Asahan po ninyo na makakarating sa iba ibang panig ng mundo sa mga relatives at kaibigan ko, pati na mga dati kong kaaktibista noong araw sa Feati U. ang mga articles ninyo. Noon ang akala ko po ay matatapos na ang paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan dahil sa rehimeng marcos, pero di pala, kasi matapos ang Edsa 1 at 2, ang mga pumalit pala sa pamahalaan natin ay puro pa rin magnana kaw at mahilig magpayaman.. matagal din pong panahon ako namalagi sa ating bansa bago ako tuluyan nanirahan dito sa U.S..dahil sa mga dahilan ay ang kawalan ng pag-asa pa na umunlad at makabangon ang ating bansa at una kong nakikitang dahilan ay kabulukan ng pagpapalakad ng ating pamahalaan,, Sa ganang tantiya ko po, kahit pa another 50 to 100 years, di pa makakausad ang bansa natin, hanggat bulok ang pagpapalakad ng pama- halaan natin, isa pa ang paguugali na maraming mga kababayan natin na namana natin sa mga kastila..yun pagiging makasarili at pagsasawalang kibo sa mga kapalpakan ng ating gobiyerno.. Kelan kaya tayo mamumulat sa tunay na kalagayan ng ating bansa. More power to your column. Antonio Dalagan, [email protected] McLean, Virginia, April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Atty. Chavez and Ongkiko, Congratulations for your initiatives at Clean Hands, Inc. I received email from Antonio C. Abaya about the widely publicized plunder cases against the military generals that both of you have filed. These initiatives show the people that there is still some hope of redemption from the very corrupt practices that are dragging the whole nation down. Your initiatives deserve the support and encouragement of the citizenry and I would like to contribute whatever little I have hoping that Clean Hands, Inc. would be able to become the anti-corruption vehicle that would weed out the corrupt officials not only in government, but also in public enterprise. I am already retired and have spent my most productive years within the maritime industry. This explains my familiarity with the agencies and the practices therein that probably need some changes as well. I write in connection with the continued "regulatory capture" of some maritime agencies of government the top officials of which have been appointed by the President but are the hand-picked recomendees by vested interest organized since before the time of President Erap. I have been able to keep tabs on some of their activities, but there has not been enough public support to putting a stop to the deleterious effects of the captured states of these agencies. What I would like to report to you concerns the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Given the opportunity, I am prepared to charge the whole MARINA Board with usurpation of legislative powers in connection with the promulgation and their approval of the Implementing Rules and Guidelines (IRR)to RA 9295, the Domestic Shipping Modernization Act of 2004. RA 9295, as approved by both Houses of Congress allowed for the VAT exemption of only two types of articles used by the domestic shipping industry, to wit: SEC.4. Investment Incentives.- To ensure the continued viability of domestic shipping, and to encourage investments in the domestic shipping industry, the following incentives shall be granted to qualified domestic ship operators: (a) Exemption from value-added tax on the importation and local purchase of passenger and/or cargo vessels of one hundred fifty (15) tons and above, including engine and spare parts of said vessels; Provided, That the vessels to be imported shall comply with the age limit requirement at the time of acquisition counted from the date of the vessel's original commissioning, as follows: 1) For passenger and/or cargo vessels, the age limit is fifteen (15) years old, 2) For tankers, the age limit is ten (10) years old, and 3) For high-speed passenger crafts, the age limit is five (5) years old, and (b) Exemption from value-added tax on the importation of lifesaving equipment, safety and rescue equipment and communication and navigational safety equipment, steel plates and other metal plates including marine-grade aluminum plates, used for transport operations. When the MARINA presented the 8th draft of the IRR during a public hearing, there was another group of importation included from value-added taxes, making three distinct types of exempted articles. The following classification was addes as the third type: 1.3 Importation of Cargo Handling Equipment used by the domestic ship operators for ship�s operations. We pointed out that this class of articles, although included in the draft bill presented to Congress was deleted from the list of exemptions, specially during the public deliberations with the strongest objections coming from representatives of the Department of Finance. MARINA officers took cognizance of the observation and removed the additional VAT exemption from subsequent drafts to the IRR. However, and much to our surprise, when the final IRR to RA 9295 was released by the MARINA, the provision was again re-inserted as follows: 1.1.3 Importation of Cargo Handling Equipment that are reasonably needed and be used exclusively by the registered domestic shipowner/operator in its transport operations. We find this act despicable and perhaps dangerous because it undermines the workings of the Legislative Branch. Entrenched officials in an Executive agency trying to usurp the rule-making powers of Congress without batting an eyelass. Nobody seems to be afraid that they get to be exposed or get caught! It is nothing but pure contempt for the people that have been entrusted with the Legislative powers under our Constitution. I hope we can put an end to this serious affront to one of our institutions. I am willing to write and sign a more formal complaint on the matter towards the prosecution of those responsible for demeaning the Legislative process. For ready reference, I have tried to gather copies of the drafts, the bills and the final documents which can be located at http://rpweb.ph/irr . If this case is something which Clean Hands, Inc. would like to pursue, I have other similar actionable cases complete with documentation, but limited to the area of the maritime sector. If you are organized in such a manner as to deal with these concerns, I am willing to submit these information with Clean Hands, Inc. Congratulations and more power to your team. Vicente F. Gambito, [email protected] Cebu, April 22, 2005 My contact numbers are: 0917 8279 135 02 400 4589 telefax wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I'm behind you all the way. Although it would be sweet icing on the cake to prosecute a 'big fish', whose name happens to be Angelo Reyes who last year excused himself from public scrutiny about his assets by claiming that he was then private citizen (recently retired then i recall). Until now. Since this general is so much a public servant now, then what an opportune time to bait him! Just a suggestion, take a cue from the movie "Civil Action" whose lead was played by John Travolta. The lawyer's time and resources were spent on looking at the wrong angle - how toxic environmental impacts came about from the operations of one industry giant. The better angle, he realized at the height of his bankruptcy - was the hows, whys, and wheres of the cleaning-up operations to hide the malfeasance done. How are these generals trying to live now that they are getting prosecuted? How were/are assets being hidden? Disguised? Good luck! VITTI CORPUZ VALENZUELA Head of Business Development Social Development Specialist WOODFIELDS Consultants Inc. 3rd Floor 153 Kamias Extension Kamias Road, Quezon City 1102 PHILIPPINES Tel (632) 925 3621 Fax (632) 436 7372 Mobile 0920 900 5955 Email [email protected] [email protected] URL www.wci.com.ph wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Their (Clean Hands Inc.'s) action means so much to the many Filipinos who would want to see a change, but are resigned to the futility of even hoping that there will be one in this generation or even the next. Please keep up the good fight. Bernardo Vidal, [email protected] Singapore, April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Just read the Ligot issue. I and our disgusted, unhappy, and angry citizenry must list down all the megascams of past and present to prevent their implementation. One of this is the North Rail which Sen. JP Enrile had denounced in a privilege speech early this year. The Senate is supposed to have a committee of the whole hearing, pero wala pa as the vat took priority. The other is the Subic, Clark Tarlac highway system which Frank Chavez is familiar with. there must be more and the different agencies are busy trying to start up new ones. I had hoped that privatization is the way to go as the private stakeholders have a better management of their fields of specialization. However, the grossly exaggerated mark-ups which Neda or other regulators have to look into. We are all exasperated, and the culture of corruption continues unabated as no big fish is caught. Jun Magsaysay, [email protected] Philippine Senate, April 22, 2005 PS. Had lunch with Frank Chavez and a couple of good friends. I warned him to exercise caution as he is not secured. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony Thanks for this! Nakaka suka! JayJay Calero, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Keep up the good fight! Our prayers are with you. Tom and Ruth De Guzman, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Corruption is a very popular word in the whole world. It's just a simple crime in the Philippines. Shame on us Filipinos! It's everywhere and few or seldom has been jailed or put to death. The bottom line on this issue now is on how to stop this immoral practices. Is there any way???? What can we do about It???? Incredible stories and inspiring groups are trying to initiate to stop these wrongdoings but is there a good result???? I think to be honest and candid about it... nothing really happens... Maybe in fairness to those who are trying their best to correct the matter, they are just good in introductions, no spirit and blood to continue prosecuting.... with the present justice system, I think slow prosecution or dissemination of cases is no justice at all.... I just hope that one day, when our children or grandchildren will be in our position. They will not encounter or experience the same way of life.... again, is there HOPE ??? I think as of the moment... NOT...... So, to our colleagues, friends, concerned Filipino citizens out there.... should you have any solutions or suggestions that you think will solve this over century old problem.... then SPEAK OUT !!!! we do not know that a simple aspirin will do... GOD BLESS !!!! Fernan Dennis, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww My Dear Abaya I must say that I know absolutely nothing of Ligot's alleged indiscretions, so yet again I have to answer in the abstract and discuss human nature and its geopolitical aspect. I have an initial criticism of current Philippine law and its short sightedness. We have historically irrefutable evidence that on the balance, punishment is no deterrent of crime and secondly when the punishment required is draconian or death Judges, assessors and juries in civilized countries tend to find reasons not to convict outright. In other words the Plunder charge with its life in prison and/or death penalty for a mere million dollars is counter productive and strangely enough is probably, indirectly, one to the reasons Estrada, Imelda, and all the others are not being convicted. We have a saying which is absolutely appropriate in the Philippines, "There, but for the grace of God go I" The Estrada case and all the other cases Garcia, Ligot and the rest would long ago be over if the punishment was based on the Multi National norm, which is a slap on the wrist, a loss of Brownie points and their toilet privileges taken away for a week. Ebbers for the equivalent of the whole Philippine Budget was given 9 years and he will be out before you and I even look old. Kenneth Lay who managed to misplace many billions of dollars, into places unknown, will probably be sentenced to spend the night with Martha Stewart. Does anyone in the whole Philippines doubt for even a second that our ruling-class acquired their wealth on monthly savings. Quoting names, places, amounts, and alibi's are counter productive, because it quantifies for the ignorant what the game is all about. It gives them possibilities and an aiming point. The details of what Ligot, Garcia and families may have allowed to fall through the cracks is political currency. High level corruption is an indictment of the political system, and is generally only a political crime. It is always the political will that determines the outcome. In different political times a child who stole a piece of bread was sent to the Penal Colony of Australia, most likely to be brutalized or die. Does Estrada, Ligot, Garcia, etc. deserve a draconian punishment for doing what at least a million people in the Philippines are doing, and what the othe 82 million people pray every night, namely for the opportunity also to be able to do.? You may remember the Canadian PM Brian Mulroney was fingered and very real evidence said $8 million stuck to his fingers. This week the new PM of Canada is apologizing for his predecessor's funneling of many millions to his French cronies to promote the Unity agenda. The Philippine Political/judicial system is not alone in its Clown Suite My point is that all heads of all Countries, States, provinces, Municipalities, businesses and organizations have some degree of sticky fingers. This is not rocket science. Any one of them could be nailed at any time if the political will existed. We seem to have an awful lot of retired generals in high positions. There will not be too many surprises. Politics will prevail. When the body of the snake stinks, it is usually because the head is rotten, and beating the body does very little good. This government is trapped between the rock and the hard place. The US won't give them anymore free money, unless they fall in line and do what Washington considers as adequate reforms Adequate reforms are almost impossible without creating a ruling-class revolt. First world countries have enough fat in the middle-class to fix any problems by just taking it from the middle-class. The Philippines has no middle-class fat reserves to call upon and it is only the rich who can yield the necessary fat, but they are the ruling-class and can change leaders every month until they get a leader who leaves their wealth alone. Gloria is to be commended to date for not actually having done anything that can be measured. If somebody measures the Estrada position, the Imelda position, the present Garcia and Ligot position, the sin tax position, the possible 12% VAT position, the six other vital reforms, and etc. they will notice nothing has moved off square one. A lot of pre-need executives seem to have misplaced a lot of future benefits. Who will fall? There are a multitude of tax evasion cases against some very powerful people. If they get touched the government will not last through the night. Some small fry will probably have to be sacrificed in order to make it appear that the government is actually doing something. All in all, Ligot and Garcia will come out all right. It is just possible, that for all except the chronically stupid, crime does pay. Graham Reinders, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Even if it would sound uncharitable, the news in today's Manila Times of your group running after another military 'luminary' in the corrupted world that our country is makes me a lot relieved and hopeful. Though our courts are legendary in being that slow and oftentimes partisan, I still believe in the common goodness of our people who long for justice due them. The causes of the charges you filed against this corrupt military man are brain-wracking. I really will not understand how such charges could ever pass fair scrutiny. That there appears to be some concerned people in the country who are devoted to running after such criminals will undoubtedly reawaken our country's hope and sense of justice. May your actions lead to building a sort of 'culture of shame' to those who are engaged in such crooked activities, letting them feel they will never come out of these unshorn. Virgil C. Bernarte, [email protected] Landquart, Switzerland, April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More power to you! If there's something I can do to help, just holler. Gus Lagman, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Forwarded) Fil, can this government afford a clean military?? We would be having coup d'etats every day. The government has no moral authority to do anything about these plunderers....These cases will drag and drag and drag.....Long live the Philippines. Dondi Joseph, [email protected] April 22, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony... The entire country should be grateful to you all for holding the torch. Let us not forget what happened after EDSA I .. when, after a minor victory, we all went back to our old comfortable ways .. and let corruption come in again. We are with you all the way. Roger Olivares, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) Corruption must cease in our country. Please let us support the crusaders with our prayers. Agrifino B. Apolto, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww COME ON GUYS. BRING THOSE SON_FA___CH__ TO COURT SO THEY CANNOT USE THEIR ILL GOTTEN WEALTH!!##@@***!! Eluderio Salvo, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Gentlemen who are taking the cudgels for all of us who are passive: I have been out of the country for 15 years now, due to FM's dictatorship. FM destroyed cherished institutions during his 'reign', the military one of them. FM cuddled and spoiled his 'bodyguards' lavishing them with perk and tacitly allowing them to steal and plunder, as Gen Garcia and Ligot, et al. are charged by Attys. Ongkiko and Chavez. There are many others I presume. Kudos to your efforts and dedication--- your reward will be a better country which will benefit our grandchildren. Thank you and best regards, Rudy Ordonez and family, [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww A few good men are beginning to do something about it. MORE POWER TO YOU GUYS!!!! BLESS YOUR HEARTS......... [email protected] April 23, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK Guy Rodriguez, [email protected] Australia, April 24, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Frank, and Mario, Thank you for your huge contribution to the fight of the citizenry (note that I did not say the government), against brazen crooks like General Ligot. I, and my numerous friends have only the highest esteem for the courageous and patriotic work you are all doing. Our prayers and moral support are always something you can rely on. And most of all, we are absolutely confident that God and all His Heavenly hosts are looking at you with pleasure. Keep up the noble work. You are indeed contributing more to our country than all the Congressmen and Senators and high ranking officials combined. BY THE WAY, we have some friends who might have some information regarding other high ranking corrupt government officials who should also be put to jail. But how do they contact the task force in charge of lifestyle checks? Thanks and God bless you all and your loved ones too. Manny Buenaventura, [email protected] April 27, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The article was forwarded to me by a friend and we commend your courage and your strong conviction to bring these� abominable corruptions� to the open. We strongly support your move to bring this to justice so the ill gotten wealth maybe brought back to the Govt. Treasury and the corrupt officials and their cahoots be prosecuted, punished and jailed so this will set as a warning to those in Government. We hope your group continue this endeavor as this give us a big HOPE that one day this country will be great again. Ma. Luisa Damian, [email protected] April 25, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More power to you guys! Dante Briones, [email protected] April 25, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello, I wish to throw in my wholehearted support for the effort you are making in cleaning the ranks of our civil & military leaders. Everyone fully agrees that our country can be saved from our present predicaments thru honest & good governance. The only way we can have this is by having honest & dedicated leaders who are unselfishly committed to the country's welfare. Unfortunately the country's leadership heirarchy is already mostly filled up by dishonest, incompetent & overstaying officials (save a few who are not). We pray that we can clean up the leadership ranks & replace them with good ones who will lead by example. Sad to say, some of our citizenry emulate the misdeeds of the bad ones. Let us show the masses they good way & a lot will follow. We earnestly hope you will keep the lights of vigilance burning. You have many supporters that you have not yet known of. We hope that the "silent majority" will wake up and start to be heard. Congratulations for the victories won so far. Very truly yours, ADOLFO P. CANETE 7 Sta. Clara Street, Skyline Subdivision Catalunan Grande, Davao City wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Thank you very much for upholding, and sticking up to your principles. I was borne in the Philippines and love my homeland very dearly. May God bless us all and I pray that you, your family, and all those who stand up with confidence, fearless and most specially with trust in God to serve Him by exposing the unjust/corruption committed by those in power will be abundantly bless by God. God bless us all. Mabuhay!! Proud to be a Filipina, Lilian Hardcastle, [email protected] April 26, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I must congratulate you for having the heart to pursue this case. This should be a start for cleaning up the corruption in the Philippines, which has been a way of life since time in memorial. This General Garcia should be hanged for taking all the money earmarked for our soldiers. No wonder our soldiers are walking around with rubber shoes and barely working guns, eating rice and sardines, while the bad guys have all the firepower and eating in the best restaurants that money can buy. IT IS TIME TO GET ALL THE CORRUPT OFFICIALS IN OUR COUNTRY AND HANG THEM AT THE LUNETA GRANDSTAND. While you are at it, why don�t you, through the media, request that all Philippine officials ( from President, Vice President, senators, congressmen, mayors, etc.) reveal their income tax returns every year, like they DO HERE IN THE USA. President Bush and Vice President Cheney revealed their income tax returns for the year 2004. This way, the people have a baseline on how much this officials are really worth and if found that they are hiding more than they declared, then they should be charge in court for corruption. GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS TO ALL OF YOU Mando Dugas, [email protected] April 26, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww What happened to the case? It�s no longer shown on TFC. I believe, more generals are doing this corruption in the government, that�s why the country is still drowning in poverty. I�m praying that something will happen to punish the corrupted government officials. Life on earth is temporary anyway and hell is waiting for them Genny Ferrer, [email protected] April 27, 2005 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Congrats to a job well done. Please allow me to thank you for what you are doing. This thief should not be allowed to get away with this evil deed. I bet there are more of his kind in the government. Please don't give up!!! Very respectfully, Winferd A. Smiley, [email protected] April 28, 2005 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |