US returns seized money from alleged illegal wealth of ex-general

Jan 12, 2012, 7:17 GMT

Manila - The United States on Thursday turned over to the Philippines 100,000 dollars confiscated from two sons of a former military general accused of amassing ill-gotten wealth in the belief that the money is part of the loot.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, who gave a cheque to Philippine Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, said the return of the money was in line with the US government's policy of returning the proceeds of corruption to the rightful owner.

'I am very pleased to present this cheque today as a symbol of the continuing commitment of the United States to support President (Benigno) Aquino's anti-corruption programmes, and to ensure that stolen assets are returned to their rightful owners,' he said.

The money was seized from two sons of former general Carlos Garcia in November 2003 as they arrived in San Francisco. It is believed to be part of an estimated 6.9 million dollars that Garcia allegedly amassed while he headed the military's budget department.

Garcia was jailed in September for wrongly declaring his net worth and securing a US green card while still on active duty. He was also charged in civilian court with corruption, but escaped jail when he entered into a plea bargain agreement.

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