Teodoro vows to pursue reforms

Secretary Gilbert Teodoro yesterday vowed to pursue reforms in the military as he officially assumed the top defense portfolio from acting defense secretary and National Security Adviser (NSA) Norberto Gonzales in turnover rites held at Camp Aguinaldo.

“These (defense reform) programs implemented by my predecessors are programs of the President which the DND is tasked to implement,” Teodoro said in his first press briefing as the new defense chief.

In instituting these reforms, the former Tarlac congressman said that he will introduce a system that is rational, timely and strategy-based.

“I know it is a difficult program because it needs a change in system and in culture. However, just like stopping smoking, it is only painful at the start,” Teodoro said.

Camp Aguinaldo insiders are, however, keeping their fingers crossed that Teodoro would succeed where most of his predecessors have failed. They also suggested that Teodoro start with an in-house cleaning.

As the 34th defense chief, Teodoro is hopeful that under his administration, he could again make the military a potent fighting force.

Once one of the most respected, the military is now the weakest in the region as it lagged behind its neighbors in terms of logistics.

“We’d all like to see the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) evolve into a truly capable fighting force. The most perhaps that I can do is to plant the seeds to try to make it to happen,” he said. – Jaime Laude, AP