By Raïssa Robles
The suicide of retired General Angelo Reyes after being accused of receiving huge payoffs by a former military budget officer during a Senate probe, has stirred public debate on whether lawmakers’ investigative powers should be snipped.
My immediate response, based on my personal experience covering the Senate and politics in general, is – NO.
And I would add, I’ve heard worse accusations thrown by and at senators. Here’s why.
Only one other government official, who was subjected to a similar Senate grilling, took his own life afterward. I’m referring to Jaime Ongpin, the finance minister of President Corazon Aquino. He was not accused of ill-gotten wealth. He received a public lashing from the senators for insisting the Philippines should honor even the most onerous foreign debts inherited from the Marcos regime and it must swallow the bitter pill prescribed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. But that was not the only reason he killed himself although it contributed to his depression.
True, some senators can be downright nasty. But that is a matter of personality and personal motives. To restrict the powers of the entire Senate in order to curb the uncouth behavior of some senators would be missing the point of the institution’s very existence. We elect senators partly to be the nation’s gate keepers against state corruption.
How each one fulfills that function is a matter of individual style. Some senators are elected mainly for this reason.
This is why the acerbic Senator Miriam Santiago has been re-elected again and again. Santiago called Reyes and his lawyer a “one-celled amoeba” for demanding senators stop questioning him about ill-gotten wealth.
Did the Senate subject Angelo Reyes to a trial by publicity?
Before I go into that, let me share with you what I have discovered about Senate graft investigations. Every investigation is a stage and – in many cases – staged to the extent that some lawmakers make elaborate preparations for their expose. In other words they do their homework.
You probably saw last Monday that Senator Jinggoy Estrada came prepared with props that included blown-up photos of Gen. Jacinto Ligot’s alleged houses in California, as well as the presence of two “resource persons” – sacked ex-military budget officer Lt. Col. George Rabusa and his ex-assistant Air Force Colonel Antonio Lim.
During Sen. Jinggoy’s cross-examination of Ligot, I was greatly intrigued to see ex-Senate President Ernesto Maceda seated behind Estrada. Maceda had earlier carved a reputation for being “Mr. Expose”. I felt he was there to cheer Sen. Jinggoy on or perhaps give him legal advice. Maceda’s presence should have alerted me that something big was about to go down that Monday.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada with ex-Senate President Ernesto Maceda - PHOTO By Raissa Robles
Sen. Jinggoy questioned Ligot the way a cat plays with a trapped mouse. The only thing that marred Sen. Jinggoy’s performance, I thought, was the tiny smile that at times curled his lips upward. It seemed to say – Gotcha there.
Maybe it was this smile that infuriated those who were being implicated during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings.
Reyes’ fatal mistake
It isn’t true that Reyes was barred from speaking out at the Senate. In fact Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile waived Senate rules for him to say his piece. That was when Reyes made his fatal mistake when he opened his mouth to deny that Rabusa had personally handed him a pabaon (goodbye gift) of 50 million pesos.
Reyes thundered in his usual command voice:
Can I ask Colonel Rabusa, if during the time I was chief of staff, did I become greedy? Did I ask him for anything? Did I demand money from him, officially or unofficially?
This gave Sen. Jinggoy – the man whose father Reyes betrayed – the opening to say –
This is not an issue of greed. The issue is if you collected money, if you were corrupt as chief of the Armed Forces. Who cares if you were generous?
Reyes’ use of the word “greedy” was truly unfortunate.
What damned Reyes further in the eyes of the public was his “Was I greedy?” speech.
The word “greedy” echoes deep within the Filipino psyche. It also reminds Filipinos of an unresolved money scandal where a cabinet secretary, Romulo Neri, instructed a lower functionary named Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada to tell then poll chairman Benjamin Abalos and his associates to “moderate their greed” when allegedly demanding their commission from a telecom broadband contract with ZTE Corporation of China.
The Senate hearing was the very first time Sen. Jinggoy got to publicly slap Reyes on the face.
But that was not the end of Reyes’ humiliation that day
That day, a lowly ex-junior officer was able to give his former superior a shockingly public dressing down. This was the first time former Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV had confronted one of the men who had clapped him in detention for seven years in an effort to break him. The Senate hearing brought home to Reyes how much their roles had dramatically reversed.
Beneath the stare of the newbie senator Trillanes, General Reyes was compelled to humiliate himself by being made to answer whether he had accepted a huge cash gift from Rabusa. And his reply all the more damned him:
I cannot remember.
In local military culture, ranks are observed even beyond active service. Thus, an ex-general continues to command the respect and obedience of an ex-lieutenant. But Trillanes defied this unwritten etiquette.
Trillanes was making his public debut as a legislator. He was bent on proving himself. Socially and politically, Trillanes’ rank was now higher than Reyes. It is in this context that we can perhaps understand Trillanes’ ranting when he told his former superior:
If you are so concerned about your name, you should have fixed yourself while you were in office! This is the time of reckoning. You better find very good lawyers….You have no reputation to protect!
The sting would have been less if that statement had come from Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. But delivered by Trillanes, the poison was fresh. It brought home not only to Reyes but to all active and retired generals that the man they had wanted to keep shackled was now free and in power.
If Trillanes does not destroy himself within the next three years, he will become a strong contender for the presidency in 2016.
General Reyes made a second mistake
Instead of thinking through a counter-offensive, Reyes lashed back at Trillanes by challenging him to a public verbal duel:
As a fellow officer and gentleman, I am now challenging Senator Trillanes to waive his parliamentary immunity to suits and then to repeat the same accusations he had made against my person, name and integrity…to fight in a level playing field instead of confederating with a lynch-mob to subject me and my family to a trial by publicity.
It was a pretty weird statement to come from someone who had never fought Trillanes on a level playing field.
But let’s go back to the question – did the Senate subject Reyes to a trial by publicity?
Fellow generals would say YES because no top-ranking general was ever publicly scolded or confronted with the question of illegally amassed wealth. Questioning a general about ill-gotten wealth is tantamount to subjecting him to a trial by publicity.
What just happened to Reyes and his fellow generals was unprecedented.
NEVER, since 1986, have so many generals been questioned about their alleged misdeeds. Following the Edsa People Power of 1986, the generals, except for General Fabian Ver, were never investigated or prosecuted for ill-gotten wealth or human rights abuses.
And if you notice, generals continue to be exempt from publicly disclosing their yearly statement of assets and liabilities.
I don’t know why they are. Surely, they’re not afraid of being kidnapped for ransom.
Ernie Delfin says
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA, where I reside (and became a senior citizen) for forty years… I hope abd pray that Raissa is right that there is still hope in the Philippines… Why, it seems that except for the high rise buildings and western-like consumerism that is so prevalent in big cities, the quality of life, the country seems going backward.. there are more and more people going to bed hungry every night.. Without the 10 M, glorified katulongs, yayas abroad, (aka OFWs) paid very small but called the modern day heroes because they provide the “granary” (or palabigasan) of the country and the government, the Phil will even be in a worse state.
Going back to Ms. Raissa’s commentary… I agree with her that Congress must continue digging into more corruptions by anyone in government… As a matter of fact, The ‘naughty’ boy in my head, is just whispering, that t here should be more ANGELO REYES among them… Who knows those accused can be brave enough to follow Angelo to shorten their stay on earth … and just go to Heaven or HELL… (Paging all those corrupt politicians and family dynasty… We had A, (Angelo) B – Binay ? C = D = E = Enrile Estrada? F = G = h = I = J K = L = Ligot M = N = O = P= Q = R = Revilla? S = T = U=
V = X = Y = Z= (we have more letter to fill up!)
KEEP UP THE GOOD INVESTIGATIVE AND PROLIFIC WORK MS. ROBLES! WE NEED YOUR SHARP PEN! FOR MORE AND MORE THAT WILL PROD US TO THINK AND FIGHT FOR!
vander anievas says
the senate hearing is more on the positive for us all than its ill effect on the concerned few being questioned.
what is in the senate or the vp in not appearing before sbrc if he faithfully believes he is innocent?
sbrc is the best place to share his version of truth, my opinion.
Ramoncito says
I remember Trillanes’ words when he surrendered after the Oakwood affair. He said something like Filipinos deserve the government they have. How true! The fall of Marcos had absolutely no effect for the downtrodden Filipinos. Cory was an ineffective President who surrounded herself with Oligarchs and the mideaval clergy. Poverty continued on and human rights violations, extrajudicial killings and torture were the order of the day. General Fidel Ramos, chief of the infamous Philippine Constabulary and his cabal of torturers and killers went Scott free. Ramos even became President!!!. Then we had a drunkard and plunderer. Lo and behold, this convicted plunderer was even allowed to run for president again, and is now elected Mayor of Manila. Then came Gloria who, withher husband, plundered even more. Marcos, the government officials (except Cory) under Aquino and all others that followed have two things in common: Greed and disregard for human lives. We truly have a Government we deserve. Those who truly strive for change are labelled “communists” and are considered open targets for the military.
raissa says
Welcome to Cyber Plaza Miranda, Ramoncito.
Don’t lose hope.
We only get the government we fight for.
tad says
ramon, erap’s image image was created by pol.enemies. he was not drunk as president, in fact, he kept power bills n basic comm. down for people,which caught ire of ayalas,lopeZes,power brokers. he was nice enough people use his name for personal purposes then alibi his no show saying he got drunk.
about plundering, there was not 1 single corruption case filed or proven against him. go ahead prove me wrong
pls take note, prove me wrong or keep ur own counsel
raissa says
er, he was convicted
Bing fuentes says
Trillanes can lead the Philippines into a new level. I will support him for his courage that nobody s above the law. He fought the heavyweights of politics and at the same token he bet his own life. He is also very smart in implementing new and very important law, like the anti bullying, salary standardzation, just to name a few. He surrounded himself with anti corrupt mentality staff.
raissa says
Are you sure?
maxcmanz says
If you have anything to show that he has misfits around him, now is the time to air it out. I, for one, is interested to know.
Rene-Ipil says
I watched that senate hearing after dinner on Tuesday February 8, 2011 until late at night. The scene vividly stuck in my mind. After saying his infamous essay on greed, he followed it up by asking “Was I” Huh, Huh.” He could not handle himself. What more of the whole military institution?
I was told by one of his subordinates that Angelo was cock sure to become CS, AFP while still the SOUTHCOM chief. This was by virtue of the fact that he was the youngest in his PMA class 1966. The current CS, AFP then was Joselyn Nazareno of class 1966 also. Angelo’s claim of succession hinged on age, not performance.
Angelo stayed in school and administrative positions almost all of his military career. But he was bright, really bright and one among the few who entered PMA at age 17 and a mere high school graduate.
That encounter between Senator Trillanes, PMA class 1995, and General Reyes was really unfortunate but poetic. Trillanes waited for more than seven years for the day of reckoning. And Angelo had it so good for a decade. Revenge is really most delicious when served cold.
“If Trillanes does not destroy himself within the next three years, he will become a strong contender for the presidency in 2016.”
To me, Trillanes’ most daring and significant acts, in addition to the above incident, include his unforgettable stand against senate president Enrile on the China squabble and his dogged pursuit of Binay in the recent senate investigation.
Did Trillanes destroy himself at anytime since that fateful day of February in 2011? I don’t think so. In fact he performed his job as senator with flying colors and audacity.
maxcmanz says
So far, so good. Let’s see how far he can go. Personally, I wish him luckin his adventures.
moonie says
james ongpin and general angelo reyes, both chose their own way to escape, in their own good time, on their own term.
james ongpin could have easily swallowed his pride, backpedalled and laughed off the incident. say, he was only human and made mistake, sorry. people are forgiving and would have forgiven him. let him live another day, another time. but no, ongpin chose to go his own way. if he was indeed depressed, he could ask for help, ask for leeway, and those could be given to him. or he could go on vacation, say he has found god and is a changed man.
as for angelo reyes; well, hitler committed suicide too. things got too overwhelming.
raissa is right, senate’s investigative power should not be cut just because the 2nd highest ranking man in the country and his mayor son both cannot hack the investigation.
moonie says
our senate’s investigation is nothing compared to the inquisition of the 17th century where people were burned at stake, their properties confiscated, their families made to bear the burden.
Geral Din says
Yes….they made an abrupt the end for the case and allegations they are facing . ..”the die is cast”
And since they were resting underground…we could perhaps give them at rest , because they have surrendered their lives already to ‘life’s taker” Mr. Death!..There’s a saying that when a person dies …all his mistakes, debts, shortcomings , and whatnot…goes with him into the grave…so let’s just bury the hatchet…and give them their peace…We are only human, we commit mistakes…but God forgives us…and so why can’t we…?
Let’s face now the present and upcoming solutions for these ill and crook leader sitting on their benches, living a glamorous life style …from the money they were corrupted from us..we poor , and struggling people of the philippines.
Forget the knot bout the sick issues…..anyway..our MAN , our GUy remains
standing tall..and nobody can put a good man down…that is SENATOR TRILLANES…:-)
raissa says
So let’s just bury Marcos’ crimes?
macspeed says
These Generals were supposed to be free of any corruptions yet it is and it was the opposite. A lot were covered with medals hiding the facts of corruptions. No, there were no trials by publicity, facts are revealed in the senate by each senators who did remember why they are in the position. Despite that some of them were now jailed because of the same mistake>acted on greed of the love of wealth…
Every one must be alerted, doing bad things will not be a lifetime secrets. Some corruptions were broadcasted via gossips abroad from their close friends or relatives and boomerang via FB or tweet or blogs like this he he he
I just remembered Joe Am’s connectivity topic…the connections are really happening so quick, later, all agencies will be integrated, even the Senate will get quick info from all the blog sites, especially here with Raissa…
remedy medina says
during the gma administration where he was a participant in both the oakwood and manila pen insident, i thought that he was just a gringo honasan clone, an ambitious and power hungry military adventurist. but knowing what we know now about all the graft and corruption that is plaguing the afp, trillianes was really being consistent from the very beginning.