Senator Teofisto Guingona III was in Negros Oriental recently, and updated Negrenses on hearings and investigations conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the questionable acquisition of equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Guingona said hearings continue over accusations that high ranking officials of the military are involved in the purchase of junk helicopters, even as threats to national security is imminent due to China's continuous reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.

It is lamentable to think that billions of pesos were appropriated for the AFP modernization program, and yet, accusations were hurled that the AFP bought junk helicopters, he said.

He added the AFP deserves better equipment, and said he is hopeful the committee will be able to finish the hearings before the May 2016 elections. He assured Negrenses of his continued advocacy to protect government funds from corrupt officials.

Guingona also met with partymates of the Liberal Party at the residence of former Dumaguete City mayor Felipe Remollo, in Barangay Cantil-e, and attended by barangay officials.  

He said he is up for reelection in 2016, and is awaiting the decision of the political party on whom to support for president.

Guingona said he will accommodate Negrenses who seek help in his office in Manila, regardless of political color, aspirations and even religious affiliations.*JG

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