New AFP chief vows to stamp out corruption

BY SAMMY JULIAN Manila News Bureau Chief, Panay News MANILA – The new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban Jr., vowed to stamp out corruption in the military and sustain the reforms laid down by his predecessor. “I will bring into this office my faithfulness to the men and women of the AFP,” he said. Among others, Oban said, he will strengthen the procurement process in the AFP and ensure the accountability of every official. Oban formally assumed the AFP’s top post yesterday. The change of command was held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. President Benigno Aquino III led the turnover ceremony. Oban urged government troops lead a “simple and healthy lifestyle.” “We have nothing to fear if we have nothing to hide,” he said. Oban vowed to computerize the AFP’s procurement system so that every transaction is fully documented. He promised to “safeguard funds from all sources, including that of Balikatan and the United Nations, and especially those coming from our taxes -- the blood and sweat of our people. I shall hold myself accountable for their proper and effective utilization." “We shall strengthen institutional checks and balances between program directors and program administrators, between budget officers and procurement officers, and undertake unannounced audits more frequently,” Oban said. He vowed to “strengthen enforcement and prosecution of those who are not willing to work on these same pledges.” Oban succeeded Gen. Ricardo David who officially retired yesterday at the age of 56 – the mandatory age for retirement. He is the third AFP chief to come from the Air Force since 1996. President Aquino thanked Oban for accepting the highest post in the AFP with a pledge to rule with humility and honesty. He expressed confidence that Oban will continue the reforms started by David./PN