Arroyo says no one will be hunted based on frivolous accusations

Government agencies will not be made a hunting ground for scandals based on "frivolous accusations," said President Gloria Arroyo yesterday as she pointed out that no one will be spared in the government drive against corrupt officials.

"My determination to bring down crooks in the government is extensive and unwavering. But let us not have investigations driven by headlines or speculations.

"The cabinet is a body for policy formulations, and should not be made a hunting ground for scandal based on frivolous accusations," she said in a statement.

The Philippine leader issued the statement following news reports that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified at least three cabinet members allegedly involved in filching funds that were earmarked for counter-terrorism training of Filipino soldiers.

The counter-terror training is funded by the US government and is part of a commitment made by Washington in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US.

The three cabinet officials have so far been unnamed but reports say they are from the same group that includes at least two Filipino military officials involved in a fund diversion scandal.

"There will be no sacred cows at any level of the government, but neither would there be sacrificial lambs for mere propaganda," Arroyo said.

An ongoing scandal that involves several military top brass is so far the most far reaching of the numerous open-ended probes conducted in the armed forces.

The military is currently preparing for court-martial of a major general, Carlos Garcia, for suspected corruption.

It is yet unclear whether Garcia is also involved in the investigation carried out by the FBI.

Other officials currently under investigation are Air Force Brigadier Prospero Ocampo, who was relieved yesterday as commander of an air force wing.

Ocampo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1971, was transferred to the Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters for still unknown reason.

Major General Ralph Flores allegedly faked his birth date to delay his retirement. Retired Army Brig. Gen. Jose Ramiscal, who is currently being investigated in connection with a land scam case.

Police Director Eduardo Matillano who is implicated in a controversy after he was given a Jaguar luxury car and a yacht by alleged drug lord Jackson Dy.