Soldiers bothered by bribery allegations against Malacañang

By Ronron
October 16, 2007

Allegations of bribery against Malacañang people is bothering soldiers, although the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership maintains that this will not translate to adventurism.

Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said Tuesday that the AFP remains professional in dealing with recent allegations that Malacañang has been giving out huge amounts of cash to local executives in exchange for their junking of calls and moves to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“In one way or another, we are affected but our professionalism should reign over our respective personal and political interests,” Dolorfino said when asked how are soldiers taking the bribe allegations.

Dolorfino refused to say, however, in what way are they affected.

But he expressed certainty that this issue will not agitate soldiers into doing something tragic or would cause the shaking of the Arroyo government.

“I don’t think there are (rumblings within the AFP) because we have been very vocal to our men. I have been making rounds, telling the officers and men that the Armed Forces of the Philippines should be apolitical at all times, we should be neutral, because we are the only institution that is entrusted by the society to maintain peace and order,” Dolorfino said.

He said he tells them that the AFP should be “a solid wall” on which the people could rest on when violence erupts among different groups in the country.

“If the AFP joins in these political squabbles, no one will benefit from it except the enemies of the State like the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army), the rebel groups, terrorist groups, and organized crime groups. And it will not be far that a civil war could erupt. That is the main reason why we should remain solid and neutral at all times,” Dolorfino said.

“Let us not gamble anymore because next time, there could already be civil war. And it’s really hard to involve people with arms,” he continued.

Told that apparently, Malacañang easily releases money for its anti-impeachment campaign and not for soldiers’ welfare like for combat pay, Dolorfino said: “The additional combat pay already now has a guideline for its release, and the Armed Forces is very appreciative that the government is sensitive to the needs, the morale and welfare of our soldiers.”/DMS