DAVAO CITY (August 13) —President Rodrigo Duterte sacks a general, a colonel and 18 top military officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines over alleged corruption and ghost projects at the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during the Monday press briefing at Malacañang Palace.
The military officials according to Roque were engaged in the anomalous and ghost projects.
Among the officials, Roque only identified Brig. Gen. Edwin Torrelavega and Col. Antonio Punzalan.
During the briefing Roque stressed “It was brought to the President’s attention that the alleged corruption have been taking place at the V. Luna Medical Center. The President has since read the report of the PACC and the AFP.”
Reports reaching Duterte revealed, several high ranking officials and employees of the V. Luna General Hospital, health service command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines “undertook anomalous purchases of equipment and engaged in fraudulent transactions.”
He stressed, “President Duterte has ordered relief and court martial proceedings against top miltiary brass including Brig. Gen. Edwin Leo Torrelavega and Col. Antonio Punzalan.”
Reports have it, Duterte is so frustrated with the officials because his administration provided all the needed equipment and resources to benefit the AFP, but the officials allegedly used it as a venue to corrupt.-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
