Ibrado won't accept civilian post, but defends retired generals in government

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Victor Ibrado yesterday said he is unlikely to accept any government position after he retires from the military service, but sees nothing wrong with former military officials taking civilian posts.

In an interview at Camp Aguinaldo, Ibrado said he intends to spend time relaxing before and after he retires.

He stressed that the Arroyo administration’s appointment of retired military officials to civilian posts was not a form of “militarization.” He said even retired generals have other qualifications that would make them fit for civilian jobs.

“No, it’s not (militarization). Because military officers retire at the age of 56 —so relatively young —and maybe the President can see that they, these officers, have talents. They have competencies that the government needs so I guess that’s the only reason that I can see,” he said.

Ibrado said that the appointment of people in various government posts is solely the prerogative of the President.

“Maybe it could be seen as a form of payback because it is quite hard to serve in the military, but paying back in some other sense I don’t want to comment on that,” he said.

President Arroyo has appointed several retired military officers to civilian posts, the latest of which are the appointments of former AFP chief Alexander Yano as ambassador to Brunei and former AFP vice chief Cardozo Luna as envoy to the Netherlands.