Defensor gets CA’s nod but no extension

The Commission on Appointments (CA) unanimously confirmed yesterday the appointment of Gen. Benjamin Defensor as Armed Forces chief.

However, President Arroyo rejected a CA resolution that would have authorized her to extend Defensor’s term to a full three years.

Defensor is to retire on Nov. 18 on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, after two months in his post — the shortest stint for an AFP chief.

Defensor, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1969, was sworn in by Mrs. Arroyo at Malacañang yesterday.

Mrs. Arroyo reiterated that as President and commander-in-chief, extending the term of military or police officials was her prerogative.

"To begin with, all of these things are the prerogative of the President. The (AFP) chief of staff is the total prerogative of the President. It can be for one day only," a visibly irked Mrs. Arroyo said.

Defensor is only the second officer from the Philippine Air Force to be named AFP chief of staff, after Gen. Arnulfo Acedera who retired in 1998.

Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, chairman of the CA committee on national defense, said that Defensor is one of the most admired military men in the country today and his nomination to the top AFP post was well anticipated and accepted.

Romualdo pointed out that not a single person opposed Defensor’s appointment before the defense committee, facilitating the endorsement of Defensor’s confirmation.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan, a member of PMA class ’71, and Sen. Loren Legarda, and honorary member of PMA Class ’69, both seconded the confirmation of Defensor.

Iloilo Rep. Narciso Monfort said it is a source of pride for him that a fellow Ilonggo has been confirmed to the AFP top post.

Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar lauded Defensor’s exemplary military record, including the latter’s stint as commanding general of the PAF Tactical Operations Command at the Mactan Air Base in 2000.

Del Mar cited records showing that Defensor tuned his command into AFP’s premier tactical spearhead, which set the difference in the military operations against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf.

Defensor’s operations resulted in the destruction of 75 percent of the enemy camp’s stronghold, earning for him a Philippine Legion of Honor award, degree of officer, Presidential Citation for Military Leadership.

He holds the distinction of being the only military man to earn two Gold Cross Medals on two consecutive days. He notched the record on Feb. 7 and 8, 1974 in the campaign against Muslim secessionists in Jolo, Sulu. He went on to earn a third Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat.

He received 42 awards and decorations in all, including the five Distinguished Service Stars, two Philippine Legion of Honor medals, and a Presidential Citation for Military Leadership.

Honasan lamented that Defensor’s stint as AFP chief of staff would be a short one, as he urged Malacañang to give a nominee to the post enough time to implement programs, instead of making it a revolving door for appointees.

Romualdo said that while most members are for a longer tenure for Defensor, they decided against adopting a resolution urging Mrs. Arroyo to extend Defensor’s service.

He recalled that members had similar sentiments on Defensor’s predecessor, Gen. Roy Cimatu, who also had a very short tenure, but did not formalize it through a resolution.

"We respect the separation of powers. It is the prerogative of the President on how long the chief of staff should stay in office." Romualdo said.

Defensor expressed his gratitude to members of the CA for his confirmation but refused to comment on moves for the extension of his service. — With Marichu Villanueva