Ibrado's term extension up to PGMA — DND chief

MANILA, Nov. 20 — Department of National Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales is mum on the manifesto by some senators, asking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to extend the tour of duty of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Victor Ibrado beyond his retirement period in March next year.

Gonzales, who assumed as Defense secretary last Monday, said it is up to the President, the military’s commander-in-chief, to make the decision.

Senators Manuel Villar and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, both presidential aspirants in the May 2010 elections, have signed a manifesto asking President Arroyo to extend Ibrado’s term until June 30, 2010.

They said the term of Ibrado, who is due to retire in March, 2010, has to be extended to ensure stability and continuity of the AFP leadership during the May elections.

Another presidentiable, Senator Francis Escudero, also signed the manifesto.

“I really won’t mind whoever is there (as AFP chief)…My thinking there is that I should respect the institution in matters of making decision for itself like who gets promoted, who gets assigned to particular situation,” said Gonzales when asked to comment on the senators’ appeal.

“I will not interfere there. And you know, the appointing power is the President,” Gonzales stressed.

The President has previously extended the tenure of a number of AFP chiefs. They are now retired Generals Efren Abu, Roy Cimatu, Benjamin Defensor and Hermogenes Esperon Jr., the present head of the Presidential Management staff (PMS).

“The issue of the election is very important since we’ll have a role. Whether we’ll like it or not, the Comelec (Commission on Elections) is really asking the Armed Forces to be part of its role. Maybe we should take up the challenge head on,” said Gonzales.

Meanwhile, commenting on the move to extend Ibrado’s term, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said:

“On the side of the AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, number one, he still intends to retire on his retirement day which is March 10, 2010, and secondly, he says that he remains professional and he will do everything that he can, until his term ends as chief of staff, to accomplish the mission of the AFP.” (PNA) scs/VR

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