Aquino: No ‘revolving door’ policy in AFP during my term

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said his administration will never adopt a “revolving door policy" in appointing military officials, noting the need for the smooth continuation of the Armed Forces’ modernization program. “We are not advocating a ‘revolving door policy.’ That is not going to be a policy," Aquino told reporters after the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. A revolving door policy in the military results in an AFP official — particularly the most senior one — being appointed chief of staff despite the fact that he is nearing retirement age. Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, appointed 11 AFP chiefs, most of them having served for less than a year, during her nine-year rule. Curiously, however, David served only for eight months — from July 2, 2010 to March 7 this year. On the other hand, Oban has only nine months to serve as AFP chief, with his retirement falling on Dec. 13 this year. Best man Aquino said he will always pick “the best person available at this time for the job at hand regardless of the position." “Regardless of who it is, there has to be continuity on the implementation of the policy," he said, citing the need for the smooth continuation of the AFP modernization plan. On Monday, Aquino led the turnover rites from outgoing AFP chief Gen Ricardo David Jr. to incoming Lt Gen Eduardo Oban Jr., whose appointment was announced Sunday during the 106th commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. In his acceptance speech, Oban assured the soldiers and the public that he will continue the programs implemented by his predecessors, most especially David. David, in his outgoing speech, urged the AFP not to allow the controversies hounding the AFP destroy the organization. “Bagkus gamitin ninyo ito sa patuloy na pagtutuwid sa mga nakikitang kabaluktutan at pagtatama sa mga nadidiskubreng kamalian ng sistema (Instead use these to improve the organization and to correct the wrong)," he said. - KBK, GMA News