Defense, security ties between Phl, Australia strong - envoy

MANILA, Philippines –  Defense and security ties between the Philippines and Australia remain strong amid the scandal concerning funds of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) allegedly being skimmed by its high-ranking officials, Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said yesterday.

Smith said the Australian government is closely watching the developments in the congressional inquiries over the missing funds and corruption in the AFP.

“We have a very good relation with the Philippine Armed Forces. We have a long standing and strong partnership with the defense corporation. We have a very good understanding of the way in which we do business together and I think that very good understanding will continue,” Smith said.

He said the Australian government is looking at the congressional investigation into the corruption and missing funds with keen interest.

“We look to them (Philippine government officials) to ensure that allegations are properly investigated and appropriate action taken... we’re encouraged by the reassurances that we hear from the government,” he said.

“I think transparency and accountability are very, very important when you’re accounting for public funds,” Smith stressed.

When asked if the recent scandal in the AFP will affect Australia’s funding assistance to the Philippines, Smith said the Australian government would do its part to ensure proper accountability of funds, “including funds provided by Australia as part of defense cooperation.”

Australia has become the largest provider of training to the Philippine armed forces under the Defense Cooperation Program.

Lawmakers discovered that some officials in the AFP had illegally diverted $55 million (about P2.4 billion) in reimbursements from the United Nations peacekeeping force to a private bank account.

In 2007, the Philippines and Australia signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

The SOVFA will benefit the Philippines in terms of education and training, capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The Philippine Senate, however, has yet to ratify the agreement.