Philippine military chief General Delfin Bangit on Friday said he was willing to retire early from the Armed Forces after president-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III categorically said he has to leave office before Aquino assumes the presidency on June 30.
"Oo naman I am [willing to retire early]. It is just a matter of making the decision after proper preparations are made," Bangit told reporters after a testimonial parade at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo was held for outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
When asked when he plans to retire, Bangit refused to give a date, but said he would be making a "very important announcement" before July 1. Aquino officially assumes the presidency noontime of June 30.
Bangit is scheduled to retire July 21, 2011.
Bangit also confirmed reports that the Philippine Army is set to hold a testimonial parade in his honor on Monday. Before being named military chief, Bangit served as commanding general of the Philippine Army.
Asked if the event was an indication of his departure from his current post, Bangit just smiled and said: "Bakit hindi natin sa Army itanong [kung para saan iyon.]"
(Why don’t we ask the Army what it’s for?)
The current Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Reynado Mapagu is a classmate of Bangit at the Philippine Military Academy "Makatarungan" Class of 1978. President Arroyo is an honorary member of Bangit's class.
Earlier, Aquino has made it clear in various public announcements that Bangit, who is perceived to be loyal to President Arroyo, has to go.
Aquino said President Arroyo appointed Bangit to the top military post before the birthday and retirement of then outgoing AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado on March 10.
"You cannot appoint somebody to a post that's not vacant. That's fundamental," Aquino said Thursday at a press briefing in his Times Street home.
Aquino said he would not wait for Bangit to retire in July next year, adding that he already has a shortlist for Bangit's replacement.
However, Aquino refused to disclose the names just yet. - Jam L. Sisante, RSJ, RJAB Jr
