Sec. Angelo Reyes Left with a Message

I awoke this morning with a text message from someone I knew, I read the message, “Sec. Angelo Reyes has passed away” – I opened my television and informed that the text is true. I was a bit shocked and truly saddened at the moment.

As you may know, Sec. Angelo Reyes is a brilliant man. He completed his secondary education at the Cubao High School in 1960 where he graduated as the class valedictorian. In 1966, he was among the top ten graduates of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. He then proceeded to acquire two masters degrees, namely: Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in 1973 and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1991. He also took up International Defense Management Course in Monterey, California in 1983. In 1987, he graduated No. 1 in Trust Operations Management Course conducted by the Trust Institutes Foundation of the Philippines at the Ateneo Business School which eventually earned him a scholarship to the Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.  He was also known for his temper but revealed a lighter side too, as part of a three-member soprano group in which the macho general sang and danced in charity shows.

Right, he was a great man, full of examples for his family even in our country. And one of his most important characteristics was his courage and endurance to help this country move forward. But bad times came, when the accusation of corruptions come on his way along with  other generals in the AFP. Sec. Angie for what we call him is being dragged into the “Garcia plea bargain deal” issue. It becomes a whopping issue in the Philippines. Witnesses were came out and telling that he is directly involved in the corruption in the AFP. As a result, he is being judged even he is not proven guilty. And of course his reputation, his names and also his family is at stake by this contention. All of his accomplishments were vanished.

I don’t know the reason why he took his life, it's either Sec. Angelo Reyes cannot unload all that troubles and his family is also being trailed by those allegations (for what we call "trial by publicity") or maybe he cannot release the feeling of guilt.

But in my own opinion, maybe he also wants to send us a message. I’m not saying it’s his effective way to deliver such note but the message is simple and clear - It might be the "Time to End Corruption" in this country.


To the family of Sec. Angelo Reyes:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.