New witness in military corruption surfaces

MANILA, Philippines - Another military insider surfaced at the Senate today to prove allegations of corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Reading from a prepared statement, former military budget officer Perla Valerio told the Senate blue-ribbon committee that the claims of former military budget officer Col. George Rabusa were true.

“Gustong kong sabihin na totoo po na noong panahon ng pamunuan nina Reyes, Villanueva at Cimatu na may OPB at PCDA,” Valerio said, referring to former military chiefs Angelo Reyes, Diomedio Villanueva and Roy Cimatu.

Valerio is the civilian counterpart of Rabusa in the military comptroller office. She said she reports directly to Rabusa, former comptroller Carlos Garcia and the three former chiefs of staff.

Rabusa said in earlier hearings that the “pabaon” or send-off money pocketed by the three former AFP chiefs of staff were taken from the OPB (Operating Program and Budget) and the PCDA (Provisions for Command Directed Activities).

She said Rabusa’s claims are true, adding that she was the one who prepared the papers for the fund conversion.

She admitted to receiving “incentives” from Rabusa for preparing the papers.

Rabusa said aside from a monthly incentive of at least P10,000, Valerio also receives P5,000 from him.

“Medyo maliit nga po,” Valerio said, as she admits receiving the cash incentive.

Valerio, meanwhile, said in her opening statement that she was willing to submit an affidavit detailing the military corruption, based on her participation, during the time of Reyes, Villanueva and Cimatu.

She, however, requested immunity from the possible charges that may be filed against her.

Before he committed suicide, Reyes denied he received converted funds from the military. Villanueva and Cimatu also denied Rabusa’s allegations.

Valerio’s affidavit would strengthen Rabusa’s claims, which has also been corroborated by his former deputy, Lt. Col. Sonny Lim.