Reyes: Let Supreme Court decide on my term

Ask the Supreme Court.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes said yesterday that only the country’s highest court can rule whether the extension of his term is illegal.

Reyes was reacting to the allegations of former ambassador Fortunato Abat that the extension of his term was "unconstitutional" and was given only by former President Joseph Estrada to secure and ensure Reyes’ loyalty.

"The constitutional provision is subject to various interpretations," he said. "Some say it’s constitutional, some say it’s not. But it’s only the Supreme Court that can decide on that."

Reyes made clear that he is not clinging to his post and is willing to lose his job come March 17, when he turns 56. He said that as an appointed government official, his tenure depends solely on the pleasure of the President. "I can be terminated anytime," he stressed.

Abat on Sunday said Estrada extended Reyes’ tour of duty five days before his ouster to ensure that the military would remain loyal to him.

However, Reyes still withdrew his support from the corruption-tainted leader along with other military commanders on Jan. 19 at the height of the so-called EDSA II popular revolt which caused Estrada to step down and his vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to assume power.

Acting Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Reyes’ fate is a matter for Mrs. Arroyo to determine.

"If President Arroyo trusts General Reyes, then she can ask him to stay on," he said.

Abat noted that under the Constitution, the President can only extend the tenure of the Armed Forces chief in cases of war or national emergencies. In normal circumstances, all military officers, including their chief, must retire upon reaching the age of 56.

Meanwhile, in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Renato Corona said the President is willing to look into the questions raised by Abat on the legality of Reyes’ term extension.

"There are views that it should not be extended. But I have not seen the extension papers. Perhaps this must be looked into," he said. – With Marichu Villanueva