Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said his sources from the Army have been visiting him at his Senate office and are revealing alleged acts of corruption being committed in the AFP’s modernization program that cost the government at least billions of pesos.
“Maraming binibigay sila na information regarding corruption sa modernization sa AFP,” Trillanes said in a press briefing on Friday.
(They gave a lot of information on the alleged corruption in the modernization of the AFP)
Trillanes said a retired general from Davao allegedly meddles with the procurement process in the AFP, including in the purchase of unnecessary and even substandard equipment.
The senator, however, refused to name the general.
Trillanes also revealed that some active officers of the AFP who visit him are disclosing “critical information” and even documents that would help him prove his innocence against the charges being thrown by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Of course hindi nila pwedeng gawin ito publicly. Sabi ko nga they remain professional pero alam din nila, mulat din sila sa mga nangyayari,” he said, noting that it’s the “moral decision” of the officers to show him support.
(Of course they cannot do it publicly. Like I said, they remain professional but they also know, they are aware of what is happening.)
Despite receiving support from the military, Trillanes stressed the AFP will remain loyal to its chain of command and that he wants it to remain that way.
“Ang armed forces, united yan. Maaaring magkakaiba yung personal na opinyon niyan sa mga bagay-bagay pero when it comes to their work, united yan,” he said.
(The armed forces is united. They could have different personal opinions in different matters but when it comes to work, they are united.)
But when asked if they could disobey orders, Trillanes said: “Pag dumating sa puntong ‘yun, sila ang magdedesisyon (If it comes to that point, they’ll be the ones to decide).” /muf
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