Arroyo names Bangit as new AFP chief

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday named Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit as the incoming chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Bangit assumes the top military post when Gen. Victor Ibrado retires on Wednesday, his 56th birthday. President Arroyo, the commander-in-chief of the military and police, made the statement in a chance interview with reporters in San Sebastian College in Manila. The President said the turnover ceremonies will take place either Tuesday or Wednesday. Bangit belongs to the Philippine Military Academy "Makatarungan" Class of 1978, which has President Arroyo as its honorary member.

"I am very thankful with the decision of the Commander-in-Chief. More than it is an honor for me, I would like to assure the people that I will do my very best to serve the interest of this nation and the Filipino people," Bangit said in a statement sent through Lt. Col. Marcelo Burgos Jr. "Just like what I did when I assumed command of the Philippine Army, I assure every member of the organization that I will be a very, very good commander to them," he added. The incoming AFP chief said he will announce his plans for the military when he assumes his post. Other significant positions previously held by Bangit were:

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief - May 6, 2008 to June 12, 2009;

2nd Infantry Division chief - Sept. 11, 2007 to May 6, 2008;

Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) - Aug. 16, 2006 to Sept. 5, 2007; and

Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander. 'The price for loyalty' Critics of the administration said Bangit's appointment did not surprise them, as Bangit is perceived to be loyal to President Arroyo. "That's the price for loyalty. Any president would have done the same," said former Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, who is running under the Nacionalista Party's senatorial slate. Querubin, however, was quick to add that Bangit was the "logical" choice to succeed Ibrado as he is the most senior service commander. Querubin is detained at the ISAFP compound in Camp Aguinaldo facing mutiny charges before a military court. Querubin's fellow NP senatorial aspirant, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, expressed more alarm at Bangit's appointment. "His appointment as AFP chief does not bode well for the morale of the AFP rank and file," said Ocampo. "Worse, it raises the specter of electoral fraud ala 2004 with GMA aspiring to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, what with DND (Department of National Defense) Secretary Norberto Gonzales pushing for a greater role of the AFP in the May 10 elections." Senator Francis Pangilinan, campaign manager of the Liberal Party's senatorial slate, said they are challenging Bangit to "prove his loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law and not to the appointing power." "He should bear in mind that his appointment comes at a time when there is a great deal of anxiety over allegations that this administration has no intention of stepping down after June 30, 2010," Pangilinan said. "All eyes are on him and we expect him as a professional soldier not to allow the AFP to be a tool to prop up a very unpopular administration through unconstitutional and illegal means." But Ibrado said concerns that Bangit would be used by the administration to cheat in the May elections were "unfair accusations." "As far as I am concerned, he is very professional, he has proven that he is a very good commander, and I think he would do a good job as chief of staff," Ibrado said. — with Johanna Camille Sisante/RSJ, GMANews.TV