'Arroyo has final say on Ibrado's term extension'

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has the final say on the term extension of Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, according to a retired Armed Forces chief.

Hermogenes Esperon Jr., now Presidential Management Staff head, said only Mrs. Arroyo has the authority to extend the term of Ibrado.

“The extension of the chief of staff of the AFP is allowed,” he said. “No other general can be extended beyond mandatory retirement age.”

Esperon said while others may have their opinions and recommendations on the matter, in the end the decision is Mrs. Arroyo’s alone.

“I am very certain that AFP officers will follow and abide by the decision of the President,” he said.

Esperon said military officers who are in line to succeed Ibrado, including Army commander Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, are fully capable to lead the Armed Forces.

“It is not a matter of who gets extended or appointed,” he said.

“All the candidates, who in contemporary setting are almost limited to three-star generals, are all qualified... whoever is CSAFP by May 10, he must do his job well, lead the AFP well. I have trust and confidence in the officers corps.”

On the other hand, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Dionisio Santiago said extending Ibrado’s term will disrupt the career path of senior military officers aspiring to be next chief of the 125,000-strong Armed Forces.

“General Ibrado is a good chief of staff, but there’s a system in place,” he said. “Extension only disrupts the systems and procedures.”

Santiago said all senior military officers are highly capable of becoming Armed Forces chief.

As a professional organization, the Armed Forces will continue to function whoever is appointed chief of staff, he added.

Santiago said all military officers have been trained to lead, and their leadership capabilities are developed in the field or in administrative jobs.

Ibrado is set to retire on March 10, or two months before the May 10 elections.