Nolcom chief honored to be considered for AFP top post

MANILA, Philippines - Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David said he felt honored to be considered for the highest military post under the incoming Aquino administration but stressed it would be up to the next commander-in-chief to make his choice.

“It’s an honor to be considered as one of the contenders. However, we have the AFP promotion system and the Board of Generals which take charge of the selection process, but it is still the prerogative of the incoming commander-in-chief to name and designate his chief of staff,” David said in an Independence Day message to his men at Nolcom.

David was reported to be among those being considered to take over the post of Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit whom president-elect Benigno Aquino III vowed to replace once he assumes office on June 30.

Also being considered is David’s classmate at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1977, Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer who heads the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) based in Panacan, Davao City.

Another PMA Class 1977 graduate Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa, is also reportedly in Aquino’s shortlist. Ochoa is the new AFP vice chief of staff succeeding Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang of PMA Class 1976 who retired last week.

David and Ochoa had been assigned with the Presidential Security Group during the time of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Camp Aguinaldo insiders said they were expecting the designation of senior PMA Class 1977 to key military positions upon Aquino’s assumption into office.

“It is already expected and it is more likely that the upcoming ruling class would no longer be the PMA Class of 1978 but would revert back to PMA Class of 1977,” one military official who requested anonymity said.

At present, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force are under the command of members of PMA Class 1978 – Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu and Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena. 

Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, class president of PMA Class 77, is the acting Navy chief.

It was not yet clear if Bangit would opt for an early retirement considering that he would still have a year left in his military career upon Aquino’s assumption to office on June 30. He said over the weekend that he might vacate his position before June 30. Several officials have been calling for his resignation.

On Friday, the AFP under Bangit rendered its last testimonial parade for President Arroyo.

He said that Mrs. Arroyo, despite the crises that plagued her administration, is still the best president the country has ever had.

Aquino had said he would need an AFP chief that he would truly trust.