The letter of the AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos to the Chinese Ambassador asking for a non-FDA approved medicine to give to his friends is wrong in so many levels.
First of all, solicitation of personal favors by public officials is a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Second, dispensation of medicine by a non-licensed individual is illegal practice of medicine in violation of the Medical Act. Even doctors who prescribe non-FDA approved medicines are in danger of losing their license.
But most importantly, the AFP Chief of Staff is the highest military officer of the land, answerable only to the Office of the President. He is the ultimate person charged with protecting our national interest. For him to owe a debt of gratitude to any foreign entity is a conflict of interest at best and treason at worst. Kailangan natin ng armed forces chief na hindi nabibili ng sinuman, lalo na ng mga dayuhan.
We are in the middle of a territorial tension against China, and our armed forces and our country need an assurance that the integrity and loyalty of our Chief of Staff is beyond question. ###