PNoy to name new Army chief before Hawaii trip

President Benigno Aquino III will name the new chief of the Philippine Army before he leaves for Hawaii to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week, Malacañang said Saturday. But Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda also hinted Aquino may miss the start of the summit as he still has some activities scheduled on Nov. 8, the first day of the summit. “Yes, he’ll be announcing it before departure (for Hawaii)," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio, adding it is still unclear at this time as to when Aquino will depart. Incumbent Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz is to retire from the service November 13. Lacierda said Palace officials are still waiting for Aquino to announce Ortiz’s replacement. Last Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Aquino will attend the APEC summit with a Philippine delegation that includes at least three Cabinet members. The summit runs from Nov. 8 to 13. Aquino will also participate in the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Leaders, which is a key feature of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM). The DFA said this dialogue gives ABAC Members a chance to meet with the APEC leaders to discuss the entire year's ABAC work program and to raise issues of pressing concern to the business community. Meanwhile, Lacierda hinted Aquino may miss the start of the APEC summit, saying Aquino has engagements on Nov. 8, the start of the meet. “I know we’re not leaving on the 8th kasi may activities sa 8th (I know we are not leaving on Nov. 8 because there are activities in the country on the 8th)," he said. —LBG, GMA News