Angelo Reyes

     Angelo Reyes was a former general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  He rose from the ranks, after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy, from a neophyte 2nd lieutenant to being Chief of  Staff, crediting himself for pulverizing Camp Abubakar in Mindanao. After retirement, he held several cabinet positions:  Secretary of  National Defense, Secretary of Interior and Local Government, and Secretary of Energy.  When a new president was elected last May 2010 elections, General Reyes retired and lived a simple life with his family. Truly, his life is one with flying colors.

     Until few weeks ago, he was implicated in a large scale anomaly within the institution.  A former budget officer of the military came into open and tell the Senate that former chiefs of staff  received "welcome money" upon taking the post and "send-of  money" upon retirement. Amount ranges from 50 million to 180 million pesos, greatly reducing the budget allocated for the equipment, logistics and financial benefits of the troops on the ground.  This is in addition to a monthly allowance of several million pesos, exposed by no less than his compadre, a former colonel himself and the then budget disbursing officer.  As such, the whistle-blower seems to be believable against the denial of those former generals.
     As investigation intensified, mental pressure probably wrecked havoc on General Reyes, and he committed suicide. He paid respect on his parent's tomb and there, he shoot himself.
     I wrote this story just to voice out my opinion regarding this scandal that only added questions instead of answers. I do not wish to question the wisdom of the late general for taking his life, but for me, such act was an act of cowardice. For he was given the opportunity and privelege to correct a wrong, but he preferred to keep silent. I extend sympathy to his family and may he rest in peace.