President Arroyo will not extend the term of outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Roy Cimatu when he retires on Sept. 1, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said yesterday.
But the President also handed out praise for Cimatu’s service. "President Arroyo has very good words for General Cimatu. She described (him) as very professional. (She also said) he earned the respect not only of Philippine soldiers, but also of his counterpart in the United States," he said.
In a teleconference, Bunye said the President told him there are many good military generals who are capable of replacing Cimatu.
Bunye added that all three-star generals are considered candidates in the race for the top AFP post.
"According to the President, there are many good generals waiting in the wings. All the three-star generals are automatically to be considered. The President, much as she admires the record of General Cimatu, will not grant any extension (of his term)," he said.
Bunye refused to say whether the President is considering appointing Cimatu to a Cabinet post.
"In terms of offering a position (to Cimatu) in a private capacity, we will probably cross that bridge when we get there," he said.
Earlier reports indicated that Cimatu’s personal choices for his successor were Army chief Lt. Gen. Dionisio Santiago and Southern Command (Southcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina.
The other perceived candidates for the AFP top slot include Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor of the Air Force, Vice Admiral Victorino Hingco of the Navy, AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling and Lt. Gen. Nicasio Abaya.
"President Arroyo will definitely name the next AFP chief of staff on Sept. 1," Bunye said.