Miriam says Adan part of ‘Gang of 12’
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:20:06 +0000
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday included Maj. Gen. Edilberto Adan in the “Gang of 12,” claiming that the deputy chief of staff, whom she called an “insect,” was attacking on the instruction of his superiors.
“This man is part of a syndicated military corruption and deliberately chose offensive language on the instructions of his cohorts, especially those superior to him,” Santiago said.
She said Adan completes the supposed military Mafia’s “Gang of 12,” which is trying to deflect her tirade against military corruption by questioning her sincerity.
She also reiterated her decision to block Adan’s promotion, saying she had formally informed the Commission of Appointments about it. The commission elected its members Wednesday.
“I have requested every single member, be he a senator or a congressman, for help in supporting me in this position because I believe that he is setting a bad precedent,” Santiago said.
“In the sense that the military seems to be passing down, giving orders or implying threat to the members of the civilian government so I think if only to teach the military establishment, not only just one general, of the proper decorum and protocol.”
Santiago said that Adan, who accused the senator of treason for her exposé on conspiracy in the military, does not deserve to be promoted because of his “fascistic mindset.”
She claimed to have secured the support of as many as four members of the commission to block Adan’s appointment.
“They have already given their commitment to me,” she said.
“Generally, in any legislative agency, particularly a bicameral agency or the CA, there is an unwritten rule of courtesy to a colleague. So, when a colleague takes a position, for or against an issue or a nominee, normally the tendency is to support that colleague.”
By Patricia Esteves