Arroyo studying call for term extension of AFP's Ibrado

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is now studying a call by senators to extend the term in office of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado until June 30, 2010, Malacañang said. But Press Secretary Cerge Remonde reiterated that the AFP has become “independent and professional," even as he said the Palace is “pleased" with the trust the senators showed for Ibrado. “I am sure the President is studying all these things," Remonde said on government-run dzRB radio, when asked about the call to extend the AFP chief's stay in office. Ibrado, who is due to retire in March 2010, earlier brushed aside rumors of "Oplan August Moon," where he would supposedly be replaced with Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit by December. Bangit is said to be close to Mrs. Arroyo, being a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 that adopted the president as an honorary member. On the other hand, Remonde said the Palace is pleased with the confidence given to Ibrado, saying this shows that the AFP has become independent and professional. “Tayo ay natutuwa sa ganyang klaseng kumpyansa na ibinigay nila sa ating AFP Chief of Staff, at 'yan ay nangangahulugan na na-maintain ng AFP ang pagiging independent and professional (We are glad with the confidence they have given to our AFP chief of staff. This shows that the military organization has maintained independence and professionalism)," he said. On Thursday, senators Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Francis Escudero and Manuel Villar Jr. signed a manifesto seeking the extension of Ibrado’s term. They said the move would ensure the stability and continuity of the AFP's leadership during the election period, and the impartiality and reliability of the military institution in a crucial time in the country’s history. “The May 2010 elections is particularly crucial and important not only because the nation would be electing the next President and Vice President who will lead the Republic during the next six years, but also this is the very first time that the Philippines will be conducting automated elections," the senators said. Also, they said Ibrado enjoys the support and respect of the officers and men of the AFP as well as the entire nation. - GMANews.TV