Gazmin denies report he's quitting

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday denied an online report stating that he would soon quit his post to give way to outgoing Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

“I do not have plans to resign,” Gazmin said when asked to react to the report, which claimed that he is getting tired of the job.

“When you say that I am tired, that’s not true. I am still strong. I am old but I am stronger compared to ordinary people my age,” he added.

The 69-year old defense chief, however, said he is ready to step down from his post if President Aquino asks him to do so.

“My service depends on the President. If he wants me to continue, I will continue. If he asks me to resign, I will resign,” Gazmin said.

“I am thankful that I was given the chance to serve the country,” he added.

An online report published late last week claimed that Gazmin has been telling his peers that he is tired and that he would soon leave his post to give way to Bautista.

The report noted that Bautista is a former subordinate when Gazmin was still a battalion commander.

Meanwhile, the Board of Generals (BOG) is expected to meet Tuesday to discuss Bautista’s possible successor.

“I think they will convene tomorrow (July 1),” Gazmin said when asked whether the BOG is now deliberating on the next military chief.

The BOG will submit its recommendation to Gazmin, who will then forward a shortlist of candidates to the President.

Bautista will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 20. The change of command ceremony, however, will be held two days earlier because Bautista’s 56th birthday will fall on a Sunday.

Among the senior officers who are qualified to succeed Bautista are Armed Forces Vice Chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang, Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan, and Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri. –  with a report from I. Bongcales