'Fight vs corruption bearing fruit'

MANILA, Philippines - The administration’s fight to weed corrupt officials out of the bureaucracy is already bearing fruit, notably with the likely impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, President Aquino said yesterday.

“We have succeeded (in the impeachment) at the House, and sending the articles of impeachment for trial at the Senate. In about a month’s time (an impeachment trial will start). So, the change that we’re pursuing can be achieved,” Aquino said in an impromptu speech before students and faculty of St. Paul University in Ermita, Manila.

“We now have a battle at the Ombudsman. Perhaps the case that we should pay most attention to is that of (retired military comptroller Carlos) Garcia,” he said.

Aquino said he could not understand why government lawyers opted to settle with Garcia for the return of P130 million of the more than P300 million he had allegedly plundered.

“The amount that he is willing to return is not even half of what’s not his,” Aquino said. “Now, do we have to thank the Ombudsman for this? Do you thank someone who has returned half of what he has stolen from you?”