Esperon sees no more destabilization threats vs GMA

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon would leave the military service a week from now, with a more stable political situation after quelling threats from destabilizers who wanted to overthrow the government.

Esperon, who was interviewed by reporters at Villamor Air Base yesterday, said this could also be attributed to a stronger and more united military organization, with each soldier being made aware that overthrowing the government through force is not part of their constitutional mandate.

“I think so, I have always said that even amidst some rumors that some elements of the Armed Forces will join destabilizers, it never happened,” he said following a testimonial flight on board an MG 520 attack helicopter accorded him by the air force.

But he said the unity of the AFP should be attributed to the “cumulative” efforts of present and past commanders who have taken a strong stance against military adventurism.

“We owe that to the cumulative efforts of all previous commanders who have gone against people that are out to destabilize the organization and the nation itself so it’s not mine alone, it’s a cumulative effort, it’s a joint effort by all your forces and we are happy to have followed the correct path,” he said.

Esperon has faced several attempts by renegade soldiers to grab power, such as the 2003 Oakwood mutiny when he was army chief, the foiled 2006 coup plot and the Nov. 29 siege last year at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

He also said that those from within the AFP who have attempted to destabilize the government have faced and are facing the harshness of the military justice system, which is the system that instills the correct attitude among soldiers.

Esperon said sending some officers to face the military justice system if they have committed infractions is part of his mandate as AFP chief, no matter how harsh he might seem to appear.

At the same time, the outgoing AFP top brass dared his critics to bring out evidence to prove allegations that he is party to any wrongdoing, instead of  making allegations through the Internet and other means.

Esperon was referring to an article posted on the website of a group sympathetic to rebel soldiers, alleging that he was involved in rigging the results of the 2004 presidential elections in favor of President Arroyo.

When asked about offers for him to take on another government position when he retires from the military service, Esperon kept his silence.

He said the matter of appointing members of the Cabinet is entirely the prerogative of President Arroyo, but added he would not reject offers for him to take on another government position.

“Offers are supposed to be announced by those who make offers, I’d rather not  make any mention about it,” he said.

He also debunked earlier rumors that he would replace Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro following his retirement, saying it has already been denied by Malacañang.

Meantime, Lt General Alexander Yano, Esperon’s replacement, is assured of smooth sailing confirmation before the Commission on Appointments (CA) after Sen. Rodolfo Biazon vouched for his integrity.

“General Yano is coming in with a clean slate. He is assuming that office without baggage and therefore would be able to project credibility to the position. He seems to exude trustworthiness,” Biazon said in a statement.

Yano is assuming the post from Esperon after his extended term finally ends on May 9. Formal turnover ceremonies are scheduled on May 12.

Biazon, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense, said Yano’s assumption is being welcomed by the rank and file and officer corps of the AFP.

Yano is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1976.  Another class member, Director Jesus Verzosa is a strong contender for the top Philippine National Police post.

“General Yano as AFP chief of staff will have an easier time responding to the compelling issues of national security being addressed by the (AFP),” Biazon added. – With Christina Mendez, Jaime Laude