MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is optimistic that the United States government will sustain its military aid to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) despite the alleged corruption practices committed by some former military generals.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin will said they hope Washington will sustain its military assistance to the country since the administration is committed to cleanse the AFP of corruption.

Lacierda said although the anomalies occurred during the past government, the Aquino administration is determined to hold accountable those involved in such irregularities.

“This is being studied by the Department of National Defense and the Department of Justice to identify how this corruption happened. This did not happen in our watch,” he said over government radio.

“The fact that we are willing to be held accountable, is something that the US grant should consider that we are open to make sure that these corrupt practices will not fester in this administration,” he said.

Earlier, the US Embassy in Manila said it conducts proper audit of all grants given to the Philippine military following reports some funds were pocketed by some military officers during the past administration.

Last week, retired Lt. Col. George Rabusa, a former budget officer, testified before the Senate that funds from the United Nations were among those missing from military coffers.

Lacierda said the government is ready to provide protection to people who will tell the truth about any anomaly in government.

“We will protect all the witnesses who will be willing to shed truth on the matter,” he said.

He said people are coming forward to expose anomalies in the bureaucracy because “they see a commitment on the part of the national government and on the part of the personal leadership of President Noynoy Aquino.”

He said the “straight path” policy of the Aquino government is more than a slogan. “This is a commitment that has been made, and we intend to deliver on that promise that we will continue to take the narrow path, the straight road and we urge everyone to join on this straight road and we will protect them with the best resources of government,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)