MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Delfin Bangit will step down from his post once told by president-apparent Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who will assume the post on June 30, a military spokesman said.
AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos made the statement a day after Aquino told the media that he is not going to re-appoint Bangit, who is perceived by some quarters as a loyalist of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Burgos said he spoke with Bangit on Monday, and the AFP chief mentioned to him that he has his "personal sentiment" about the reports.
However, Burgos did not elaborate on Bangit's "personal sentiment", adding the AFP chief will just keep that to himself.
"It's an organization governed by rules and regulations. To us, Filipino soldiers, we support and uphold the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Whatever is the order given to us, we will follow," said Burgos.
Burgos said the AFP chief maintains the position that he is serving at the pleasure of the President, who is also the military's commander-in-chief.
"To us here in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are just waiting for orders actually. Whatever order is given to us, we will just follow…Gen. Bangit has been constantly saying that the chief of staff serves at the pleasure of the President, who is also the commander-in-chief," he said.
Burgos said Bangit and the military will not be distracted by the development, adding they will continue doing their job to accomplish their mandated tasks.
"As a professional soldier, he will continue to work even doubly hard for the AFP to accomplish its mandated tasks. Rest assured that the AFP, under his stewardship, will remain committed and steadfast to its sworn mandate and we will remain focus on our mission just like what we did in the last elections," said Burgos.
Burgos noted that before the elections, there were allegations that the military, Bangit in particular, will be involved in possible cheating, among others. However, he said the military did not mind the allegations and just did its job.
"We just saw how the people have spoken, and we have seen the result of the election, and we were not remiss (in our duties and responsibilities)," said Burgos.
" At the same time, we remained focus on our mission of providing a safe and secure environment so that we will be able to protect the integrity and the sanctity of the ballots that will be cast by our citizens and we did not allow ourselves to be affected. We remained focused. If you are going to see it, we have labored so much during the last election and we have proven our role in the election," he said
