Ibrado starts round of farewell calls

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado has started bidding farewell to his troops even as President Arroyo has yet to decide whether to extend his term.

“Last month, I did the rounds of the units and all the areas of command,” he said. “I’m bidding farewell to the troops.”

Ibrado said the visits allowed him to remind the uniformed personnel about the need to distance themselves from partisan politics.

He is set to leave for Thailand today to make exit calls on that country’s military officers.

Ibrado said it would be better to let officers retire as scheduled to give those in the lower rungs a chance to climb the leadership ladder.

“Para sa akin, mas maganda na ituloy-tuloy ang retirement ng mga officers… para tuloy tuloy din yung pag-akyat ng mga taong dapat pumalit. Makakabuti sa organisasyon yun,” he said.

Ibrado, who assumed post last June, will retire from military service on March 10 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Ibrado replaced former chief of staff Alexander Yano, who was named ambassador to Brunei

Soldiers banned from partisan activities

Ibrado reminded soldiers yesterday that they are barred from engaging in partisan activities as the election campaign for national office starts tomorrow.

Speaking to reporters, Ibrado said the only partisan action soldiers are allowed to do is to vote on election day.

“We cannot do any other political activity,” he said

“I told them we are non-partisan, we should not be involved in the campaigns of any politician or party.

“We will not endorse any candidate.”

Ibrado said uniformed personnel, even those deployed as security escorts for politicians, are barred from possessing campaign materials.

“That would be a violation of the Omnibus Election Code,” he said.

Soldiers who would take side with any political party or candidate can be discharged from the service, Ibrado said.

The Constitution states that the Armed Forces shall be insulated from partisan politics.

No member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to vote, according to the Constitution.

The campaign period starts on Feb. 9 and ends on May 8.