Hontiveros grills AFP officers on pending cases, SALNs during CA hearing

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday raised questions about the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and the pending criminal issues involving several generals and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing on their ad interim appointments.

Among the officers questioned was Col. Harry Baliaga, who was previously implicated in the 2007 abduction and disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos.

Referring to a decision from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Hontiveros noted that Baliaga had been identified as the “principal by direct participation” in the incident. Although he was acquitted by Quezon City RTC Branch 216 in 2017 of the arbitrary detention charges, Baliaga admitted he has not yet been cleared by the CHR.

“With the Commission on Human Rights, I still have an existing [case] — so I was not yet cleared,” Baliaga told Hontiveros, explaining that he expected the case to be dropped following his acquittal. However, the CHR has yet to provide a timeline on the final resolution.

Hontiveros expressed her hope that the matter would be resolved soon, both for Baliaga and the Burgos family.

“I’ve been closely following this case — not just yours, but also those involving other officials under investigation or facing charges. I hope that by the next time you appear before the Commission on Appointments, this case will have already been resolved,” she said.

Hontiveros also questioned Col. Gloven Ley, citing two anonymous submissions—an open letter and an email—alleging fund manipulation and the use of soldiers as personal staff for a construction project. Ley dismissed the claims, suggesting they may have come from individuals eyeing his position for promotion.

After a 90-minute deliberation, the CA confirmed the ad interim appointments of 118 officers from the Department of National Defense.

“The strength of the Armed Forces lies not just in firepower, but in integrity,” said Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte. “Remaining apolitical ensures that our soldiers serve the Constitution and not personalities.”