Newly appointed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who arrived in the country last Saturday, is expected to formally assume his post within the week, a spokesman for the department said.
Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina said in a phone interview that although they are prepared for a turnover ceremony, there was no word yet on a specific date.
“We have been expecting him to assume his post starting Aug. 3. But since he was out of the country then, we are expecting the turnover within this week,” Carolina said.
Teodoro would be taking over from National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, who served as caretaker for the DND for one month following the transfer of former defense chief Hermogenes Ebdane to his old post at the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“Secretary Teodoro will assume this coming week but we are waiting for the definite date. We have not gotten word yet,” said Carolina.
Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio has taken a month-long leave to undergo spinal surgery this week.
Claudio is one of four Cabinet officials known to be afflicted with spinal or serious back problems. The others are Presidential Management Staff chief Secretary Cerge Remonde, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye and Philippine Information Agency head Conrado Limcaoco.
Remonde underwent spinal surgery last November while Bunye wears a brace whenever required. The Palace spokesman has been on leave since last week for a vacation abroad. He is expected to be back tomorrow.
On Friday, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was rushed to a hospital in Pasig City due to a bleeding ulcer. He was to be discharged yesterday.
The staff of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol meanwhile said their boss underwent a check-up last week. – James, Mananghaya, Paolo Romero