Palace: AFP can explain delay in confirmation of Garcia's conviction

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang clarified yesterday that it would be up to the former defense secretaries to explain why the court-martial conviction of dismissed military comptroller, retired Gen. Carlos Garcia was not confirmed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said the military could explain the reason for the delay in the confirmation of Garcia’s conviction after the investigation into the issue was finished.

Valte said the former defense secretaries that served from Dec. 2, 2005 – the date of Garcia’s conviction – up to the end of the Arroyo administration could explain the matter.

Valte said the administration could not establish yet as to what transpired during the lapsed time since the conviction and “these are the proper people that can answer what happened.”

The defense secretaries from 2005 until Arroyo stepped down from office in 2010 were Avelino Cruz Jr., Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Norberto Gonzales, and Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Valte likewise defended Garcia’s detention at the National Bilibid Prison, a civilian jail facility, as Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the former comptroller should be in a military facility since he committed military offenses.

Valte said the case of Garcia fell under certain “exceptions” and that President Aquino merely confirmed the court martial conviction, including the detention at the NBP.

Lacson is a classmate of Garcia at the Philippine Military Academy (Class 1971).

Valte said it would be up to the defense department to give detailed explanation as “everything” was included in the confirmation signed by the President.