Porto to retire, says no "pabaon" for him

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Major Gen. Vicente Porto, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, will be retiring on his birthday on April 5 but told the local media in a fellowship meeting at a resort in Sibulan town Friday evening that he will not receive any "pabaon."

Porto, after visiting a battalion based in Negros Oriental, said that in case top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines give him a “pabaon” during his retirement he will not accept it.

The “pabaon” issue has been under investigation since 2004 until it was revived this year, but such controversy will not affect the lower ranks of government troops, he said, adding that they are still waiting for the results.  (FREEMAN)