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Next AFP chief vows to fix military’s procurement, financial systems


Incoming Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. on Sunday said he plans to implement reforms in the military’s procurement and financial systems once he assumes the position this week. Oban said he will implement "short-gestation, high-impact" reforms in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during his nine-month term. "Given the time remaining in service, I would go for short-gestation, high-impact reforms, most particularly pagdating sa (when it comes to) procurement, logistics and financial management system," he said in an interview aired over GMA News TV’s "Balitanghali." Oban was appointed as the 42nd AFP chief earlier in the day, replacing General Ricardo David Jr., who is set to retire on March 8. Oban's appointment came weeks after former AFP finance officer George Rabusa and former state auditor Heidi Mendoza bared in separate congressional investigations supposed questionable transactions and instances of corruption in the military.


The incoming AFP chief said that under his watch, the military will still be open to any form of investigation to be able to institute reforms within their ranks. “Open po ang Armed Forces sa ano man pong imbestigasyon para malaman ang katotohanan at lalong matuwid ang mga patakaran sa pamamalakad (The military will remain open to such investigations to correct mistakes in the leadership)," he said. He added that he will also see to it that the morale of country's 130,000 soldiers remains high, and that their welfare will be taken care of. Oban, who will serve as military chief until December this year, likewise said in the interview that he will prioritize the military's modernization program, as well as the implementation of the AFP's new counterinsurgency plan, "Oplan Bayanihan." "Malaking hamon din ito sa harap ng maraming challenges and issues na kinakaharap ng Sandatahang Lakas (This is a big challenge for the AFP)," he said. - KBK, GMA News
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