Bangit will not resign despite calls from Noynoy camp

Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit will not resign any time soon despite calls from the camp of presidential front-runner Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, a military spokesman said on Sunday. “First of all, there is no such thing as resignation in the military. Resignation is cowardice. It’s like you are running away from your responsibilities if you resort to resignation," said Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, head of the Armed Forces' public affairs office. Burgos was reacting to the statement of Aquino’s spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, urging Bangit to resign after he was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA). Bangit is a known loyalist of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1978, which includes President Arroyo as an honorary member. Burgos, however, said it is up to President Arroyo or the next president if Bangit would be allowed to finish his tour of duty in the military. Bangit will retire on July 31, 2011. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who chairs the CA, said Bangit would have to relinquish his post after the commission adjourned last Friday without confirming his appointment. Enrile said the vice chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, should take over from Bangit. Malacañang, on the other hand, continued to defend Bangit’s appointment. Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said Bangit continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Arroyo. "Senator Aquino, if he feels differently, can dismiss the general two seconds after he recites his oath of office," he said. Another Malacañang official, deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan, said Bangit would continue to serve as AFP Chief until June 30, when President Arroyo’s term ends. - KBK, GMANews.TV