AFP on Garcia conviction: We learned our lesson, instituted steps vs corruption

LONG ARM OF THE LAW. Retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia (center) reads the contents of the arrest order and sentence served by Lt. Col. Edwin Machica of the Judge Advocate General’s Office and AFP Provost Marshal Col. Herbert Yambing. File photo / AFP-PIO

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have instituted measures to prevent recurrence of the case of its former comptroller retired Major General Carlos Garcia, who was found guilty of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering, its spokesperson said on Thursday.

“The court has already rendered its decision so we respect it and, on the part of the Armed Forces, we have learned lessons and we have instituted measures already to prevent  the recurrence of that similar incident,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar.

Sandiganbayan 2nd Division has granted Garcia’s plea bargain to the lesser offense of direct bribery, sentencing him to four to eight years of imprisonment. He was also given a fine of P406.3 million, thrice that of the total value of the gifts received as per his plea-bargaining agreement.

READ: Sandigan: Former AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia guilty of direct bribery 

Garcia was initially charged with plunder, which has a punishment of reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years of imprisonment.

Aguilar, however, noted that there were no such case “of that magnitude” were recorded

“So as you can see probably right now would hear no cases of that kind from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

“At least as far as my memory can serve, I have not heard anything about cases of corruption involving military officers or personnel of that magnitude,” he added.

The spokesperson said this indicates that “the measures that were implemented were effective so that it already changed the system.”

READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: The case of Gen. Carlos Garcia

JPV/abc