MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo remained mum on whether she would extend the term of outgoing Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado or name his successor when he retires on March 10.
Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said Mrs. Arroyo has so far given no indication of her next move on the matter.
The President had lunch with Gonzales, Ibrado, and his prospective successors at the Palace last Thursday.
“We talked about other matters,” Gonzales said in a telephone interview.
“I intentionally don’t raise the matter with her nor am I recommending anybody, they’re (possible successors to Ibrado) all my friends.”
“The Armed Forces remains stable and whoever will be appointed from the current crop would do well,” he said.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Charito Planas said there have been instances in the past that the term of military chief had been extended.
“Whatever decision the President will make would be in the national interest,” Planas said. – Paolo Romero