I believe that fashion can be a tool for social, cultural and political commentary. Thus, my blog segment, "Beyond Fashion" uses fashion to attract and words to impact.
MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 4) Former Armed Forces Chief and Defense Secretary Angelo Tomas Reyes on Tuesday morning committed suicide by shooting himself in front of the grave of his mother at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
He was 65. Source: Inquirer.ph
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Admission of guilt?
a Style and Soul "Beyond Fashion" special
Over the past weeks, the former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief was linked to the alleged controversial corruption cases in AFP (involving millions of pesos from public funds) during his term under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's nine-year administration.
In a separate hearing in the Senate, George Rabusa, a former military budget officer claimed he handed Reyes P50 million as a pabaon money when he retired in 2001. Rabusa also said Reyes received monthly allowance using AFP funds.
Also a former defense secretary, Reyes was also accused of participating in the plea bargain agreement, the deal between state prosecutors and former military comptroller Carlos Garcia, who is currently facing plunder charges involving AFP funds as well.
These allegations have prompted the Senate to invite Reyes for inquiry. This event is said to have subjected him to a "trial by publicity," which has caused him too much pressure and at the same time impacted his honor, name and family.
According to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Reyes died "with the presumption of innocence on his side, because he never went to trial."
However, by committing suicide, he has placed the verdict on himself - GUILTY. If he isn't in the first place, why in the world would he kill himself? In Japanese hara-kiri philosophy, "an honorable death is more desirable than a life of shame."
True enough, based on the law, as a "suspect," Reyes' death extinguished both his criminal and civil liabilities, including all the pecuniary penalties. That would be unfair to those who were convicted but innocent, who were guilty and paid the price.
Of course, it would be disrespectful and heartless to rejoice his death but it would also be misleading and inappropriate to put his remains at The Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes). It may be fair enough to say the late defense secretary has partly served the country with loyalty especially during the first few years of his career. But he's only as good as his last performance. He has betrayed the country and the Filipinos not only by pocketing public funds but also by protecting Arroyo and her previous administration filled with graft and corruption cases, not to mention, extra-judicial killings.
And speaking of former president turned Pampanga representative Arroyo, she was the ONLY person who hailed Reyes for his "courage and patriotic service." What courage is she talking about? Isn't a wonder if Arroyo partly feels guilty for his demise? After all, he died protecting not only his name but also hers.
If he is truly innocent, then that should be enough reason for him to brave all accusations and fight for his life.
These allegations have prompted the Senate to invite Reyes for inquiry. This event is said to have subjected him to a "trial by publicity," which has caused him too much pressure and at the same time impacted his honor, name and family.
According to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Reyes died "with the presumption of innocence on his side, because he never went to trial."
However, by committing suicide, he has placed the verdict on himself - GUILTY. If he isn't in the first place, why in the world would he kill himself? In Japanese hara-kiri philosophy, "an honorable death is more desirable than a life of shame."
True enough, based on the law, as a "suspect," Reyes' death extinguished both his criminal and civil liabilities, including all the pecuniary penalties. That would be unfair to those who were convicted but innocent, who were guilty and paid the price.
Of course, it would be disrespectful and heartless to rejoice his death but it would also be misleading and inappropriate to put his remains at The Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes). It may be fair enough to say the late defense secretary has partly served the country with loyalty especially during the first few years of his career. But he's only as good as his last performance. He has betrayed the country and the Filipinos not only by pocketing public funds but also by protecting Arroyo and her previous administration filled with graft and corruption cases, not to mention, extra-judicial killings.
And speaking of former president turned Pampanga representative Arroyo, she was the ONLY person who hailed Reyes for his "courage and patriotic service." What courage is she talking about? Isn't a wonder if Arroyo partly feels guilty for his demise? After all, he died protecting not only his name but also hers.
If he is truly innocent, then that should be enough reason for him to brave all accusations and fight for his life.
