No demotion in impending AFP revamp — spokesman

Members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1978 — a batch associated with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — will not be demoted in the impending revamp within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The assurance was given by new AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta in an interview Sunday. “There will be no demotion for that matter for any class. There will be no demotion but rather either move up vertically or slide sideward laterally," he said. PMA class of 1978 has Arroyo, now a congresswoman representing the second district of Pampanga, as an honorary member. A member of the class, former AFP chief Gen. Delfin Bangit, was forced to retire early after President Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III openly rejected him as leader of the military organization under his administration. He was replaced by Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. of PMA class of 1977. Bangit’s appointment earned controversy after Arroyo sidestepped upper class officers, particularly those who belong to PMA class of 1977, eligible for the post. Some members of 1977 class had reportedly disapproved of the appointment of Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, Bangit’s classmate, as Army chief. Talks are rife within the AFP that Mapagu may be designated as the military vice chief whose function is limited to office works. As the current chief of the 85,000-strong Army, Mapagu has the administrative control of all Army units. Asked if Mapagu will be designated to a higher position, Mabanta said: “That is a possibility and it can happen. “If he will be given a position, it will still be a position which requires the same rank." He added without elaborating. Mapagu assumed as Army chief last March. He has previously commanded the military’s National Capital Region Command, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division and the Army’s Special Operations Command, among others. - KBK, GMANews.TV