Aquino hopes to jail corrupt Arroyo officials by next year

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

TOKYO (via PLDT) – President Benigno Aquino III expressed hope Sunday of securing by next year a conviction and putting behind bars officials of the past administration who were involved in anomalous transactions.

In his speech before some 800 members of the Filipino community here in Tokyo Sunday afternoon, Aquino said he will not rest until those who have squandered public funds are held accountable.

“We will make sure this does not stop at the investigation stage. We will gather strong evidence to ensure the culprits are not able to escape justice,” the president said.

“With a little cooperation from the judiciary, we might be able to put these people in jail,” he added.

Aquino mentioned in particular the P1 billion spent by past officials of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for coffee as well as the second-hand helicopters that were reportedly sold as brand new to the Philippine National Police.

He added that the invitation extended to him by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was a validation that the country’s global standing has improved due to the reform measures initiated by his administration.

“If before we were being snubbed by world leaders, now, we are among the first foreign leaders to be invited by new administrations abroad,” he said.

Aquino is the second head of state to be invited by Noda since the latter assumed office last month.

The two leaders will have a bilateral meeting on Tuesday evening which will be followed by an official dinner to be hosted by Noda.

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