Bangit open to early retirement

MANILA, Philippines - Beleaguered Gen. Delfin Bangit yesterday hinted that he might avail himself of early retirement following pronouncements that he would not be retained as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by the incoming administration of president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Bangit said he is open to early retirement but added he has yet to decide on what to do in terms of his career.

“It’s just a matter of making the decision after proper preparations are made,” Bangit said.

“Whether I will retire or whether I will transfer, all these are being studied. I will make the announcement in due time,” he added.

Bangit said he finds it hard to answer questions about his career plans.

“I’ve not made a decision yet so with apologies I would like to make the decisions first before answering some questions,” he said.

Bangit declared he would make the announcement not later than July 1, or a day after Aquino is formally sworn in as president.

Bangit remained tight-lipped over his options but said, “Whatever it is, whatever I will do, it will be for the good of the Armed Forces.”

A senior officer revealed Bangit might retire from the service early and may not wait for Aquino to assume the presidency. Bangit is scheduled to retire from the service in July next year.

The official pointed out that it would be awkward for Bangit to have Aquino appear during his retirement ceremonies.

“Why would you want to retire in the presence of a president who does not want you? Maybe he would retire earlier than June 30. He may retire anytime soon,” the official said.

Other officials said Bangit would have other options once Aquino replaces him as AFP chief. Bangit may choose to avail himself of early retirement or retain his three-star rank under a floating status or he may accept a lower position but not necessarily a demotion, an official said.

But another senior official said it might not be desirable for a ranking officer like Bangit to accept a lower position since he has been appointed to the top position.

Bangit said in his speech during the testimonial review yesterday honoring President Arroyo that he is ready to step down from his post and obey the orders given by the next commander-in-chief.

“As professional soldiers, you will and you should obey them,” he said.

“We give our best contribution wherever we are. Finished or unfinished, we go when we must,” he added.

Be mature

Aquino had made it clear that he would not retain Bangit as AFP chief.

Aquino called on Bangit to set aside his personal concerns and take note of the welfare of the soldiers.

Aquino admitted he did not like the unpleasant remarks Bangit was making that could affect the soldiers.

“I will just let him be but I hope he matures. He’s not my responsibility yet. I would give him time to absorb the situation. From what I heard in the news, it’s not okay with me that he was forgetting about civilian supremacy,” he said.

Aquino revealed he had some people in mind that would replace Bangit.

Senior military officials revealed that among those being eyed as next AFP chief are Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer and Northern Luzon Command’s Lt. Gen. Ricardo David. Both belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class ‘77.

Aquino added he could not wait for Bangit to take early retirement. His cousin, former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro, suggested that Bangit be allowed to retire next year before appointing the next AFP chief.

Aquino admitted he is uncomfortable working with Bangit.

He maintained the appointment of Bangit was unconstitutional since it was made when the election ban on midnight appointments took effect.

Malacañang, on the other hand, called on Aquino to take it easy on Bangit.

Deputy presidential spokesman Rogelio Peyuan said Aquino’s statements on Bangit could also affect the morale of the troops.

“But what must be clear at this point in time is that we’re not just talking about the integrity of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are also dealing with a human being,” Peyuan said.

“There are two things here, one is the chief of staff, Gen. Delfin Bangit, and the other one is, Delfin Bangit, a husband and a father to his children. I don’t think we can question the integrity and the record of this soldier in question,” he said.

Peyuan said Malacañang does not expect Bangit to stir up the troops and turn against Aquino even if he is going to be removed.

Peyuan suggested that Aquino should name Bangit’s successor as soon as it is appropriate to allow the AFP to move on and focus on its critical missions. -  With Aurea Calica, Paolo Romero