Response of former Undersecretary de los Reyes to allegations against him posted in this blog:
After all the responses,let us not forget that what really matters is pursuing the investigation of the two DND officials.nevertheless,below are my comments/corrections on some of the responses.
1.On my naval career, I earned my Navy Command at Sea Badge in 1984,after successful command of three patrol vessels.(I never sold diesel fuel while aboard ship as suspected by ‘malibog.’) I earned my senior command badge as commander task force(tf)61,the impression that i was prematuredly relieved from TF61 is not correct because my stint there lasted for 18 months from March 1997 to October 1998. For that period, TF 61 was awarded two chief of staff streamers and I received Cavalier Award in 2000 for outstanding performance in naval operations,one distinguished Navy Cross, and three military merit medals.
2. On the term “Mr Clean”- it came out in the papers during the stint of Secretary Cruz. I do not know the exact definition of the term but i am certain that it was not meant to be synonymous to angel,saint, or sinless. I am not Jesus Christ.however,people might be aware or might have heard any/some/all of the items below.
a. I do not ask for nor received money/bribe/sexual favors from dealers.
b. I have lived a simple life.Think of the savings for 43 years by not smoking;no night spot visits;no gambling;no excessive drinking;no number 2,no kids out of wedlock. From 1976 to 2002,we lived with my parents-in-law. The Navy could not provide us living quarters at the Bonifacio Naval Station. I subscribed to the established queuing system for awarding government quarters then. Our savings had been invested with AFPSLAI since 1978 and PNSLAI since 1993 which enabled us to avail of “double your money” every three and a half to four years. Unlike in “John and Marsha,” I and my parents-in-law mutually liked/loved each other.
c.I have religiously filed my SAL every year and all our assets are declared therein. If i have gotten millions of pesos from conversion as alleged by one,such could not be declared in the SAL because it will become unexplained wealth. Neither do i have hidden wealth;hence,anyone who finds it will have it.
d.I abide by the laws and follow the rules and regulations. PMA taught me to do so.
3.On family affairs-
a.My eldest, Margaux graduated from UP Manila in 1997,Michael from UST in 2000,and Pamela from UST in 2006. Pamela was Alay sa Kawal medical scholar. Her contract required her to serve in the medical corps but she quit as a probationary lieutenant because she preferred civilian life;thus, I had to pay for her unserved term.
b. My wife’s ‘shopping spree’ has often been at Nepa Q, Divisoria mall and vicinity,and Quiapo. We are together when it is Divisoria time. On March 16,one day after I was fired, I joined her at Nepa as baggage husband.
c. We have a 1994 Lite Ace, a 1998 Mazda, and a 2003 Starex which was permanently damaged by flood in 2009. It was covered by insurance for act of God. On March 22,we replaced it with a 2007 Nissan Urvan estate. These vehicles have been used by my family for their movements;not the staff car.
I only use the gas allocated to me,past and present,nothing more. The number of my drivers had always been as authorized;nothing more. It is correct that I have allowed military personnel to drive our private vehicles.
4.I have no pending case; hence, I am not under investigation. However,I reported the two officials in writing, with documentation. Public interest calls for their impartial investigation.
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by Victor Reyes
Malaya
Malacañang has unceremoniously relieved a Defense Department undersecretary, known for his uprightness even during his days in the military, in the middle of an investigation against two erring Defense officials.
The sacking of Ariston delos Reyes, former Navy vice admiral, as undersecretary for internal affairs, was learned through a farewell letter he sent to colleagues and which was leaked to media.
Gary Olivar, deputy presidential spokesman, said Malacañang does not need to explain the President’s decision to terminate Delos Reyes.
He said it is the President’s prerogative.
“It’s not unusual and of course the President always has the privilege to change her mind, no matter how late. It’s also the President’s discretion,” Olivar said