Lawmakers back Ibrado's extension

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers yesterday supported calls to extend the term of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Victor Ibrado until after the elections in May. Ibrado is set to retire on March 10.

Congressmen led by Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Cavite Rep. Joseph Abaya and Teofisto Guingona III of Bukidnon said Ibrado’s extension would be in the best public interest, particularly when the nation holds its first automated elections.

The lawmakers were unanimous in suggesting that Ibrado’s extended term be co-terminus with that of President Arroyo who steps down on June 30, when the next president would be sworn in.

“That is a very wise move. General Ibrado is a very competent, non-controversial officer whose leadership is very stabilizing to the AFP and the country’s peace and order situation, especially in the light of the coming election,” Golez said.

Biazon, a senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party, said Ibrado’s stay would help avoid power play in the military at a crucial time, the holding of a much-politicized and highly partisan election.

“I think his extension is necessary in order to ensure that there is continuity and consistency in the handling of the peace and order concerns of the elections as far as the AFP is concerned,” the congressman-son of Sen. Rodolfo Biazon said.

The older Biazon served as AFP chief during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.

“A transition in leadership in the middle of the elections is not advisable. Aside from ensuring stability, the extension will also prevent military politics which usually occurs because of jockeying for positions in the military,” the younger Biazon pointed out.

Guingona, another senatorial candidate from LP, said extending the term of Ibrado would give the next president a free hand to appoint a new AFP chief.

He said extending the term of Ibrado for two more months would create stability within the AFP.

“A stable AFP is absolutely crucial to ensure free, safe and honest elections,” Guingona said.

Abaya, for his part, explained that term extension for AFP chiefs is “constitutionally allowed.”

“Previous presidents have done it. I personally believe that it is in the best interest of all to have General Ibrado’s term extended only up to June 30,” Abaya said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and some former classmates of Ibrado in the military also supported the call for the AFP chief’s extension of term.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said a possible extension of Ibrado’s term until the end of Mrs. Arroyo’s term would ensure that programs undertaken by the national police with the military would progress smoothly.

“The AFP has been a partner of the PNP. We have worked with the AFP under the leadership of General Ibrado. We could be assured of continuity given his track record in terms of crisis management and stability of the country. Extending his term could help maintain synergy between the PNP and the AFP,” Espina said.

Ibrado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Magilas” class. PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa belongs to the same class.

For its part, the Magilas class also expressed support for Ibrado’s term extension.

The class president, retired police director Leopoldo Bataoil, said Ibrado’s term extension would be in the best interest of the country and reflect well on the uniformed service. 

The mounting support to extend Ibrado’s term as AFP chief, however, has dampened the spirit of key contenders for the top military post.

A hint given by Executive Eduardo Ermita that President Arroyo can always extend Ibrado’s term also drastically affected plans and moves by some lobby groups out to install their own man to head the country’s 125,000-strong military force when Ibrado retires in March.

“General Ibrado’s term extension will not only address criticism against the present administration in connection with the forthcoming elections, but will also stop power play and lobbying among key contenders for the top AFP post,” a source said.

The source noted that while most are looking at Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit to replace Ibrado, there are three other senior officers who are also in the running to be the next AFP chief.

These officers, like Bangit, are all highly qualified and capable of handling the job.

Ibrado, for his part, has been staying away from the issue of his possible term extension following his previous pronouncements that he is ready to relinquish his post and return to civilian life on his 56th birthday on March 10.

“I am ready to leave,” Ibrado told reporters during the Bishop-Ulama annual conference in Davao City recently. -With Mike Frialde, Jaime Laude