THE CONGRESSIONAL investigation on the alleged corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has led some congressmen to UST, but for nothing, as former AFP finance chief Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who was confined at the UST Hospital (USTH), was a “no-show” at a specially arranged hearing held for his convenience at the UST Continuing Medical Education Auditorium last Oct. 14.
The House committees on national defense and on banks converged at the University only to discover that Garcia would not attend the hearing as he suddenly suffered a change in blood pressure.
“(The doctors) are saying that ‘the guy’ cannot be moved so pumunta kami dito pero ayaw naman niya bumaba,” said Misamis Oriental Rep. Teofisto Guingona III, a member of the national defense committee.
As a result, Garcia’s continued absence in three hearings, including the one held in UST, has led some congressmen to suspect that the AFP and even the attending physician are “hiding” Garcia.
The committee grilled Vice Adm. Ariston de los Reyes, AFP vice chief of staff, Col. Rafael Regino, AFP surgeon general, and even Dr. Ivan Villespin of USTH, Garcia’s doctor, at the hearing.
Villespin earlier assured the committee that Garcia was fit to testify in the public hearing in UST, but said he could not guarantee the non-happening of unpredictable events.
“We cannot predict (the health) of the patient. I said ‘okay na’ tapos biglang nag-shoot up (ang blood pressure),” Villespin said. “His condition is not simple hypertension. His condition puts him at a continuing risk of heart attack or stroke.”
USTH medical director Dr. Rolando Cabatu told the Varsitarian that the Hospital respects the right of the patient.
“Puwede na i-discharge ‘yung pasyente kung okay na ang medical condition niya but the patient may request to stay longer,” Cabatu explained. “Hindi namin pinupuwersa ang pasyente dahil nasa kanya kung kailan niya gustong umuwi. Ang patient’s right pa rin ang masusunod.”
According to Villespin, Garcia has obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a sickness in which the patient “forgets” to breathe. He added that Garcia also has a family background of heart ailments as his father died of heart failure.
Nevertheless, Parañaque congressman and national defense committee chair Roilo Golez said he respects the findings of the doctors that Garcia was not in a condition to face the committee.
Last Oct. 16, AFP Chief of Staff Narciso Abaya ordered the transfer of Garcia to the V. Luna Hospital, a military hospital, “as soon as his health allows it,” following an order from the committee on national defense last Oct. 14.
Meanwhile, Golez invited Garcia to attend the next hearing on Oct. 18 or face a subpoena if he is unable to do so.
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier suspended Garcia for six months without pay after finding that he allegedly made false declarations of his assets and liabilities, after which the President placed him under court martial.
He checked in at the UST Hospital (USTH) reportedly due to “difficulty in breathing” on Oct. 10 and was transferred to another hospital last Oct. 16.
