Ex-PSG chief's confirmation deferred

MANILA, Philippines - The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) yesterday confirmed the promotion of 23 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines but left out the former security chief of President Arroyo.

The CA deferred the confirmation of Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, one of two contenders to become the next AFP chief.

CA member Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he had many questions for Bangit but there was hardly time left for him to answer, forcing the deferment of his confirmation until the next hearing.

The CA confirmed the promotions of Brig. Generals Artemio Orozco, Anthony Alcantara, Ricardo Butalid Jr., Pedro Soria II, Francisco Lanuza, Ramiro Alivio, Emmanuel Bautista, Antonio Supnet, Ernesto Catiyog, Delfin Pomposo and Florante Martinez.

The CA also confirmed the promotions of Maj. Generals Roland Detabali, Reynaldo Mapagu, Arthur Tabaquero and Ruperto Pabustan; Rear Admiral Vicente Agdamag; Commodores Orwen Cortez, Eriberto Suria Jr., Cornelio de la Cruz and Nestor Losbanes; Navy Capt. Ma. Vicente Lampas and Wenefredo Banua and Dental Service Col. Antonio Alinsug.

This developed as President Arroyo approved the appointments of 33 officers to key military positions following the endorsement of the Department of National Defense (DND).

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the presidential approval was based on the recommendation of the AFP Board of Generals.

Those given key assignments include Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, Mrs. Arroyo’s military aide during her tenure as Vice President.

Holganza, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978 where Mrs. Arroyo is honorary member, has been appointed AFP’s Deputy Chief for Operations (J4).

Holganza was among the military officers that played a key role in the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001.

Also appointed as Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy were Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez and Brig. Gen. Francisco Launzo as deputy commander of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command. – With Sheila Crisostomo