P-Noy's ally mistaken for FPJ's favorite 'punching bag'

MANILA, Philippines - Former Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa on Thursday capped his military career with thank you messages, kind words and an unexpected slip of the tongue. 

During his retirement speech, Dellosa addressed Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as “Paquito Diaz” – the name of an iconic character actor known for his villain roles.

Dellosa’s mistake drew smiles from the audience including Ochoa himself and other officials who witnessed the ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Even President Aquino, the presiding officer of the retirement rites, was seen smiling.

Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima then mouthed “Ochoa” to Dellosa, who immediately realized his mistake.

“The honorable Executive Secretary Paquito Diaz…(long pause) I’m sorry sir, Paquito Ochoa,”  Dellosa said as he touched his forehead.

Known for his trademark moustache, Diaz appeared in many action films as rapist, gang leader or kingpin who ended up being the punching bag of protagonists like Fernando Poe Jr. and Lito Lapid.   

He died on March 3, 2011 due to complications caused by pneumonia at the age of 73.

Despite the slip, the show went on for Dellosa, who thanked the people who supported him during his stint as AFP chief.

“I have much to be thankful for in my military career, foremost of which are experiences that made my life fuller and richer,” Dellosa, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Sunday, said.

“I face my retirement not with thoughts of what might have, or should have been. I am contented in the fact that I have done my share in furthering the noble mission of our armed forces,” he added.

Dellosa also cited the need to continue the reforms designed to promote professionalism and proper conduct in the military.

“The continuing challenge is sustaining the forward momentum and not sliding back, and this requires constant vigilance and reaffirmation from every member of the AFP,” he said.

“I would also like to emphasize that battles are fought not only in the frontlines, but also in our own headquarters and workplaces to realize a professional, efficient and morally-upright military institution.”

Dellosa also cited the importance of curbing malpractices that can tarnish the AFP’s reputation.

He is confident that the military is in good hands under his successor, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

“I have been a witness to your (Bautista) leadership; your own reform initiatives; your fighting will, and your genuine concern for the men and women of the AFP,” Dellosa said.

AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said Dellosa will be remembered as a leader who has genuine concern for his subordinates.

“He (Dellosa) cares for his subordinates and he reaches out to ordinary soldiers in the field. He is strict but very particular with the morale and welfare of his troops,” Burgos said.

Twice wounded in battle, Dellosa prioritized the improvement of health services in military hospitals when he was AFP chief.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy class ’79, Dellosa was a seasoned military officer with extensive combat experience.

He is a former member of the Presidential Security Group of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Dellosa, a native of Sorsogon, served as chief of the Northern Luzon Command, chief of the Army’s 2nd Division and deputy commander of the AFP Central Command. Other posts he held include commandant of PMA Cadets, 302nd Brigade commander and chief of staff of the 4th Division.