Aquino says he has picked replacement
by Victor Reyes and Wendell Vigilia
Armed Forces chief Gen. Delfin Bangit yesterday censured the camp of incoming president Benigno Aquino III for telling him to resign after he and 301 other senior officers were bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.
In a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Bangit told the incoming administration to treat the military “with honor and give us the dignity that we deserve,” and said the resignation call is an attempt to destroy the Armed Forces.
Incoming president Benigno Aquino III said he will not strike a compromise with Bangit because he already has a replacement in mind.
“Senior class,” Aquino told reporters in a press conference at his home on Times Street, Barangay West Triangle, Quezon City when asked which batch of the Philippine Military Academy his choice belongs to.
Bangit belongs to Class 1978 has President Arroyo as an honorary member.
Aquino would not identify his choice but said he and Bangit would surely understand and respect his decision.
“Palagay ko mag-uusap kami soon. Di ko siya kinakausap pa dahil ayoko, di tayo napo-proklama parang nagmamando na tayo in the future. Pero I think he and I both understand our respective positions and we’ll arrive at a solution that will take into cognizance, parang lahat na considerations na importante,” he said.
Asked if he is ready to assert his executive powers in asking Bangit to leave his post, Aquino said: “Walang consensus kay Bangit. Alam niya saan ako manggagaling. Ang commander-in-chief yata singular.”
Bangit’s press conference was attended by many other senior officers who were bypassed by the CA last Friday when Congress adjourned, including Army chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David, and Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva.
Bangit, perceived by some quarters to be a loyalist of President Arroyo, was named AFP chief last March and is reaching the retirement of 56 in July next year.
Bangit said after Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Saturday he should not wait for Aquino to take over the presidency before resigning, he thought of opting for early retirement because the AFP was “being dragged into politics” because of him.
He said he felt that it seemed that the other bypassed senior officers were denied the privilege of being confirmed because he was among them.
“After all they have done in fighting for a credible election and after they have proven that they are professional, very professional officers, is that what they will get? I therefore decided that I should go if that will keep the Armed Forces intact,” he said.
Bangit said he changed his mind Sunday, and decided instead to keep fighting for the military institution.” He said he came to realize it was no longer about him but the Armed Forces.
“This is no longer just about General Bangit who they doubt despite contrary evidence. This has been about the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this has been about our politicians who do not understand what the Armed Forces is all about,” said Bangit.
“This is about personalities and persons who do not understand what the Armed Forces is all about. This has been about disregarding the military system that they we have worked hard to put up and strengthen for the good of the organization and for the stability of this country,” he added.
He said he changed his mind “because I have the responsibility to work” for the AFP until he is relieved and because “I have that commitment to hold the Armed Forces intact and make it very professional.”
Bangit said Lacierda “does not know what he’s talking about.”
“They should know and understand that a soldier is either relieved, reassigned or has to stand to his post if his superiors want him to stay. A soldier filing a resignation is abdication of duty. In our Articles of War, particularly Article of War 58, that is punishable under our system,” he said.
Bangit said he has no intention of holding on to his position if the new administration does not want him to stay.
“I am prepared to usher in and to hand over to the incoming commander-in-chief a very good Armed Forces. There is no doubt about it,” he said.
He also said he has sent Aquino a letter, congratulating the latter for his victory in the May 10 presidential elections.
Asked if there is any reason for the new administration to be wary of him, Bangit said: “Personally, that is the same question that I am asking myself. Why?”
Bangit said the military should not be treated like a “political instrument.”
“It will be very good for our nation that you will have an Armed Forces that is apolitical. It will be very good for the Armed Forces if you treat the Armed Forces will dignity and honor,” he said.
Bangit also said the bypassing of the military officers might spark demoralization “because we are in a quandary what would be our position.”
Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, head of the AFP public affairs office, said the morale of soldiers remains high despite the bypassing of the senior officers.
He said when Bangit met with the officers yesterday morning, he told them “we should respect the democratic institution and we always uphold the rule of law.”
The bypassed officers, Burgos said, would retain their “ranks right now” as he said these officers underwent tedious processes to get their promotions.
Asked what will happen if Bangit is replaced by Aquino, Burgos said it does not matter because the military is loyal to the institution and not the person.
“The AFP is an organization, is a disciplined and a professional organization and we follow procedures and systems… Our loyalty is not on the person but to the institution,” he said.
Burgos and Gary Olivar, deputy presidential spokesman, said the next administration would benefit a lot if it retains Bangit who they said is a professional and is experienced.
Olivar said Bangit will be a “great asset” to the Aquino administration.
“He (Aquino) would maintain continuity, he would have one less headache to worry about while he attends to more important matters involving the ship of state,” he said.
Olivar said aside from Bangit, it would also be a good idea to retain PNP chief Jesus Verzosa, who has said he would submit his courtesy resignation when Aquino assumes the presidency. – With Jocelyn Montemayor
He said when Bangit met with the officers yesterday morning, he told them “we should respect the democratic institution and we always uphold the rule of law.”
Excellent reaction! He should reinforce that principle by constinuously encouraging the rank and file to respect Constitution provision that civilian authrority must remain supreme over military.
The bypassed officers, Burgos said, would retain their “ranks right now”
I think that’s the right course of action. These officers were promoted according to military procedures and their promotion must be respected. There is no reason why they cannot sport their rank within the military establishments/command posts, etc. That their promotion was not confirmed by Congress is just a temporary setback. (Henry could tell us more about this…)
What worries me is what this “conflict” might lead to, i.e., if by virtue of presidential prerogative, Bangit is relieved (which is what it would amount to if president elect, once he’s sworn in, replaces Bangit.)
After hearing Aquino say that Gen. Bangit stays as AFP chief until replaced, I called up his spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, who said last Friday that Geb. Bangit should resign immediately since he was bypassed.
I told him that I was doing a story on Gen. Bangit. I asked, “How do I reconcile your statement with that of your principal, Aquino?”
He replied. “Huwag mo nang i-reconcile. Yung kay Noynoy na lang ang gamitin mo.”
As I said in Facebook, Aquino has the right to choose his own AFP chief of staff, someone he is comfortable working with. But he has no right to humiliate Gen. Bangit who has not done him anything wrong. And who has conducted himself with high professionalism in the last election.
IraV. Panganiban (a reporter covering the military)Facebook entries:
Ellen,
Having now just revisited the exact words of Aquino, to wit:
“Palagay ko mag-uusap kami soon. Di ko siya kinakausap pa dahil ayoko, di tayo napo-proklama parang nagmamando na tayo in the future. Pero I think he and I both understand our respective positions and we’ll arrive at a solution that will take into cognizance, parang lahat na considerations na importante,”
I personally believe (I might be wrong inasmuch as I don’t know the exact context) that Aquino was probably right not to speak to Bangit. There is after all in theory an existing commander in chief still. There was also nothing humiliating in what he said (based on above quote) in my view. If at all, the polemic arose from the statement of Edwin Lacierda (if that was made public). Bangit, if he is the professional soldier he claims to be will understand and must recognise that what Aquino said is par for the course.
Asked if he is ready to assert his executive powers in asking Bangit to leave his post, Aquino said: “Walang consensus kay Bangit. Alam niya saan ako manggagaling. Ang commander-in-chief yata singular.”
This, however, is a convoluted no nothing statement. Bakit “yata” as when he said “Ang commander-in-chief yata singular.? He should have refused to answer if he wasn’t sure. We all know that following Constitutional provision, like it or not, military must respect their commander in chief but truly, he must also earn it and the only way to do it is by being less circumspect about his status or he had better refrain from making any pronouncement that could be misconstrued. Besides, strictly speaking, there can be no such thing as “conscesus” as far as Bangit was concerned — it’s Aquino’s call and he should assume it.
On the whole, I like Bangit’s statement/plea to politicians to treat military with dignity and respect. That’s how it should be.
At the same time, now that he has said his piece, he must refrain from further statements that could only be detrimental to the military he speaks of very highly. He now must stand down and musn’t even begin to think that he can lock horns with the incoming president (and by gum, Aquino is not even president yet).
That said, I think Aquino camp must stop fanning flames of resentment too by refraining from making bold statements that could be perceived as personal or derogatory.
Hindi ako pabor na iretain si Bangit as AFP chief dahil:
1. Ang appointment nya ay saklaw sa ban during the election period. He was appointed a day before the day of retirement of his predecessor.
2. Ang appointment nya ay isang temporary appointment lamang.
3. Ang appointment nya ay hindi na confirm ng Commission of Appointment.
Noong ma aapoint sya, maraming alingasngas na may na bypass na senior sa kanya. Ngayong ang iappoint naman ang mas senior sa kanya, magkakaroon ng alingasngas kung bakit pa sya aalisin. Alam naman nya kung bakit sa na appoint ni Arroyo kaya the honorable thing for him is to do a Versoza.
Minsan nakakalimutan natin na ginagawan ng remedyo ang kabalahuraan ni Arroyo. si Arroyo ang may kagagawan ng lahat ng kaguluhan na ito na sya namang itinapon sa kandungan ng bagong Presidente.
Maybe Noynoy owes Bangit for conducting himself well in the last election. Bangit, however, did not do it for Noynoy solely as it is his duty under the law to conduct himself with professionalism in the last election. He should do what was mandated by the Constitution and the law without expecting anything in return from the beneficiaries of the election he must uphold.
Anna:
“Bangit said he has no intention of holding on to his position if the new administration does not want him to stay.
“I am prepared to usher in and to hand over to the incoming commander-in-chief a very good Armed Forces. There is no doubt about it,” he said.”
Dapat lang. The justification of Malacanang when Goyang chose Bangit as CS over his upperclassmen is also applicable here. Sauce for the gander is also sauce for the goose, sabi nga nila. Everybody knows that the CS position, hell, even the major service commanders’ positions, is based on trust and confidence by the C-in-C. Surely, you would not want Bangit to rat on you behind your back, as he owes his positions of major responsibility to Goyang when he started serving GMA as aide when she became VP.
With regard to the sporting of their ranks, it is my opinion that they can wear the same until the next Congress confirms their ranks. I said this because the Table of Organization in the AFP specifies the rank of the officer occupying a particular position of major responsibility. In fairness to these officers, they have complied with the requirement of Time in Grade/Billet when they were recommended by the Board of Generals. Sa madaling sabi, they have earned that right to wear the rank. It’s not their fault that the CA was not able to confirm them. Formality na lang yang confirmation ng CA dahil requirement ng Constitution. Wala naman yan sa PNP at Coast Guard. Malaki pa nga sahod ng police.
Bangit’s case is an entirely different matter. He should not sulk in one corner and in the process look like a cry-baby. Now he knows how his upperclassmen felt when he bypassed them. The only option left for him is to retire. I’m pretty sure he is already made. Enough of the mumbo-jumbo about “treating the military right”. He should address that to his patroness. 😛
My question to all the critics of Bangit – would you if given half the chance truly walk into the valley of death for your country without asking for anything in return?
I’m sorry that so many were bypassed by Congress but I’m sure this is only a temporary setback…
I’m sorry to have to say this too but in the strictest terms, these soldiers, officers, military authorities are receiving “Queen’s penny”, i.e., a salary and are therefore paid to do a job. They signed a covenant with the state to defend their country even if it meant giving up their lives. While it is true that to honour them for a job well done and to give them fitting tributes when they sacrifice so much should be done, we must also observe democratic processes… if it means waiting for a couple of months, fine. These officers are used to it and we don’t have to shed crocodile tears because they missed their confirmation on this occasion.
They lost nothing in the process, their honour is intact — it is the politicians that lost a lot.
Hypothetical ang tanong ko. Kung si Gloria Arroyo kaya ay hindi binigyan ng taning ng kapinuyan at ni Uncle Sam sa pekeng pamumuno, aalagaang maigi din kaya ni Gen. Bangit ang sitwasyon ng eleksyon o anumang magdadala kay Arroyo sa perpetual power? Just asking?????
Pero dahil pwede ng ipagmalaki ni Gloria kay Obama na payapa, konti lang ang namatay at malinis (kahit may null voids na libo-libo, siempre ay dapat bigyan ng credit ang militar at kapulisan.
OK naman pala ang sinabi ni Noynoy “Gen. Bangit stays as AFP chief until replaced”. Sino ba ang magugulo?
Henry,
Agree that the chain of command is based on this ultimate principle:
…the CS position, hell, even the major service commanders’ positions, is based on trust and confidence by the C-in-C.
Bangit’s case is an entirely different matter. He should not sulk in one corner and in the process look like a cry-baby. Now he knows how his upperclassmen felt when he bypassed them. The only option left for him is to retire. I’m pretty sure he is already made. Enough of the mumbo-jumbo about “treating the military right”. He should address that to his patroness.-henry
Completely agree. Swak na swak mo!
What I said a thread over at FB:
I can see where Ellen is coming from. Unfortunately, Aquino, the president-elect has made his sentiment public. And there’s no going back. President cannot apologise to Bangit, will be not the political thing to do do at all.
To avoid further embarassment, Bangit must also refrain from making statements that will only fan the flames of resentment…
Someone should suggest to him to take the only officer and gentleman way out, eg., submit his application for early retirement to Aquino when Aquino is sworn in (not sure if this is acceptable AFP procedure) but if he does this, he will come out of it [relatively] “unscathed.”
He mustn’t wait for president-elect to relieve him in the afternoon of 30 June. It would/might scar the AFP which, from the statement he’s made, he wants to avoid. He must know that he cannot lock horns with president-elect, not even if he perceives president-elect unmannered, uncouth or whatever (rightly or wrongly).
Bakit ano kung papalitan ni Aquino si Bangit? Anong respe-respeto ang ibibigay dito sa Aso ni Goyang … wala. Noon bang inetse-pwera nila yong batch 77 at inilagay itong si Pangit … may umangal ba? Bakit hindi puwedeng alisin ni Noynoy tong Pangit??? bakit???????
Kung hindi tatanggalin ni Noynoy si Bangit … hindi siya dapat Pangulo ng ating Bayan. Kung ganun mas matapang pa si unana na kahit anong pinagsasabi ng kanyang kritiko … inise-puwera ang mga batch 77.
Tedanz, sabi na nga ni Ellen, constitutional prerogative ng incoming president yan. Puwedeng niyang palayasin si Bangit a minute after he’s sworn in.
Bangit, however, did not do it for Noynoy solely as it is his duty under the law to conduct himself with professionalism in the last election.
Spot on, Oblak!!!!
Itong mga midnight appoinments na ito di ba parang pinipitik ni Glorya sa tenga si Noynoy.
Di kaya plano nila ito para mag-umpisa ng gulo?
OK naman pala ang sinabi ni Noynoy “Gen. Bangit stays as AFP chief until replaced”. Sino ba ang magugulo? — Chi
Ayan naman pala e… tapos na ang conflict. Stand down na si Bangit, walang problema na dapat.
Anna:
Ira Panganiban is no soldier so I understand why he said what he said. He doesn’t know military nuances. As I explained in my previous post, the confirmation of their rank is not the be-all, end-all of their careers. And besides, who are they blaming why they were not confirmed? They should single out Enrile as he is the Chairman of the CA. That’s petty. I would even understand the reason given by Enrile why they were not confirmed. They were only appointed March 9. Again, everybody knows na election period na ang mga panahong iyon. Nagrecess ang Congress. It only reconvened just to canvass the votes. So, how on earth can Malacanang expect that Congress can tacle the deliberations for their confirmation? May publication pa yan. Lahat ng oppositors for example sa promotion ni Bangit will be herad by the CA. Kung may mag invoke pa ng Section 20 ng CA rules ay tigok ang promotion ni Bangit, not necessarily yung promotions ng ibang officers na puedeng mauna iconfirm, But as I said, the CA can’t do this in one session unless they railroad the whole process.
My take is that this is another last ditch attempt ni Putot to drive a wedge between the AFP and the incoming CinC. Para bang, “Look. Prinomote ko kayo ha. Ayaw naman kayo iconfirm.” Lame. Wala pa ni isang katiting na aksyon na ginawa si Aquino. Ni di pa nga siya proklamado. So, why all the fuss? Dahil di mareretain si Bangit? So what? Siya lang ba magaling sa AFP? Titigil ba ikot ng mundo ng mga sundalo kung maalis siya sa pwesto? Ginaya na lang din kasi gimmick ni Versoza para maretain, di naman convincing. Magno, believe ka ba rito kay Pangit? 😛
Kosang Henry, pang alaska naman ang smiley mo as punctuation mark. Swak na swak ang post mo.
Dagdag ko lang din na sa naging experience ni Noynoy sa mga coup attempts noong Presidente si Cory, hindi maalis sa kanya na sya ang pipili ng AFP CS. Lalong lalo pa na alam niya ang working relation nina Bangit at Arroyo.
Madam Chi, may hinala din ako na may pressure sa mga Kano (tulad na lang ng pagpalit ng Ambassador) na siguraduhing maayos ang election kaya hindi nakahirit sina Arroyo at Bangit. Kaya nga kahit na panalo na Congreswoman si Arroyo, parang nagmumukmok ang ale.
Bakit nga ba ang mga inappoint ni Arroyo sa mga matataas na pwesto during the election period ay puro matitigas ang ulo?
But as I said, the CA can’t do this in one session unless they railroad the whole process.
Spot on, Henry!
Dapat alam ni Bangit na hindi permanente ang appointment nya hanggat hindi aprubado ng Commission on Appointment.
With due respect, Ms. Ellen, hindi si Aquino ang nagpapahiya kay Bangit. Si Arroyo mismo.
Bakit nga ba ang mga inappoint ni Arroyo sa mga matataas na pwesto during the election period ay puro matitigas ang ulo? Oblak
Nananadya, baka matakot si Noynoy. 🙂
Ginaya na lang din kasi gimmick ni Versoza para maretain, di naman convincing.
Hahahah! Si Versoza, ok iyong gimmick niya – talaga namang gimmick yan, eh. Matter of fact, naisahan niya si Noynoy diyan. Hahah. I’ve seen this gimmick before (even in the PSG, I saw that under Joey Calimlim when he succeeded Leo Alvez) — not at major command level but mid-level pa rin and bloody, hell, it works all the time!
Henry, ask Billy! One day one of his subalterns went to him to say, “Sir, I would like to resign…” gulat si Billy. (Away kasi nung subaltern si Rex Robles who called him putanginang hipon ka in front of Benny Matic.) Instead of accepting his resignation, promoted pa siya! Haahahahah!
Sa mga nakakaalam, ano mangyayari sa 4 stars ni Bangit kung hindi sya re-appointed ni Aquino at approved ng CoA? Ibig sabihin ba e masusungkit yung isang estrella?
Oblak:
Sinabi mo pa. When Goyang ran roughshod all the opposition when he chose Bangit, she and Bangit had it coming.
Oblak,
He will retire with his 4 stars — and will sport his 4 stars during the turnover; and will always be called GENERAL (full general yan…); not confirmed nga lang; what I’m not sure of is the financial repercussion, i.e., if he will get his full general’s pension nga lang. Ask Henry!
Ooops, sorry, missed this from Oblak’s question: at approved ng CoA?
Full general siya without the shadow of a doubt if he’s COA, retirement benefits and all other benefits, he will collect without any problem…
But COA confirmation cannot/doesn’t stop Aquino from relieving him if president-elect (as soon as he’s sworn in) so decides. Entirely presidential prerogative.
Let us also not forget that strictly speaking, CSAFP position is a political appointment.
Oblak # 27:
Technically, nag lapse na yung appointment nya to 4 stars without being confirmed so dapat balik 3 stars na siya. Kung may magkwestiyon sa pagsusuot nya ng 4 stars, malamang irurule na bawal. Remember na mas malaki ang sahod ng 4 stars kaysa 3 stars. However, knsuelo de bobo na lang sa kanya yang 4 stars until June 30. If and when he is relieved by Aquino come July 1 and consequently, he will opt to retire, he will be retired LTGEN(3 stars), not General(4 stars). However, he will receive all the benefits, retirement and pension, of a 4 star General. One rank higher kasi pag nagretire ka sa benefits but you dont carry the rank in this case. Kung General ka nag retire, yun na ang maximum sa benefits. Wala nang mas mataas na ranggo doon, maliban lang sa misis mo, na 5 stars. . . 😛
If he is relieved, his only option is to submit his early retirement. If not, he will put the AFP in a most awkward position — imagine a floating 4-star general (kung confirmed siya by next congress)!
There’s been no precedent… there can only be 1 officer in the AFP sporting 4 stars. If Bangit doesn’t retire and Aquino appoints his own CSAFP at the same time (geez, that will be a problem), the appointee will have to wait to be promoted to 4 star rank until the post is vacated.
Of course, in the scheme of things, Aquino’s choice will be officially CSAFP but with 3 stars… ngeeeek!
Technically, nag lapse na yung appointment nya to 4 stars without being confirmed so dapat balik 3 stars na siya. Kung may magkwestiyon sa pagsusuot nya ng 4 stars, malamang irurule na bawal.
But Henry, alam mo naman sa AFP, walang mag cocomplain diyan.
Pareho ni VAdm Madamba, he was promoted to 3 star rank but he was bypassed by Congress and he retired without being confirmed. Si loko, was going all over military town sporting his 3 stars until turnover. Not even civilian authorities did — maski iyong senator na nag-filibuster ng hearing during his confirmation hearing, didn’t complain. And he was addressed Vice-Admiral up to the time he he boarded the plane for Taiwan to be “ambassador” there.
Anna on #31 and #32:
I dont think there will be a problem kung ayaw mag early retirement ni Bangit. You’re right. There’s only 1 4 star General sa TO ng AFP. And that will be Aquino’s appointee. Bangit can no longer sport that 4 stars on his shoulders come July 1. Why? He was not confirmed. After July 1, kung di siya magreretire, tiyak may magkukuwestiyon na, yung incoming CS. Ngayon wala, kasi he is the sitting CS, so ok lang ang 4 stars nya. But what after July 1 when there will be a new appointee? And since he is no longer the CS, he will cease wearing the 4 stars.
You see, it’s all about pride. Perhaps Bangit cannot accept the ignominy that he will be the only CS since the adoption of the CA confirmation requirement under the 1986 constitution for ranks Colonel and above, whose appointment to General was not confirmed. As far as I’m concerned, this is what he is griping about. Imagine, unlike the other CS before him, he has no Confirmation Certificate to dispaly in his living room. . . 🙂
In VADM Madamba’s case, pinagbigyan na lang yun. Paretire na rin lang eh. It’s a different case with Bangit’s. There will be implications sa rank structure. So di talaga pupwede after June 30. 😛
Henry,
Hypothethical iyong answer ko kay Oblak (31), kasi ang tanong niya ay kung approved ng CoA? but Aquino decides to replace him (and Bangit refuses to retire).
Imagine the shit?
Imagine, unlike the other CS before him, he has no Confirmation Certificate to dispaly in his living room. . . 🙂
Hahahahah!
In VADM Madamba’s case, pinagbigyan na lang yun. Paretire na rin lang eh.
🙂 I refused to call him Vice-Admiral. Up to the last minute, I addressed him by his complete official rank on purpose: Rear Admiral Madamba (gulat nga minsan si Marayag when I called Madamba, “Rear Admiral,” etc etc to his face).
(Tawa si Sibayan!)
There’s only 1 4 star General sa TO ng AFP. And that will be Aquino’s appointee. Bangit can no longer sport that 4 stars on his shoulders come July 1.
To save face, CSAFP turnover rites must be held promptly on 30 June after investiture ceremonies ni Aquino.
“Imagine, unlike the other CS before him, he has no Confirmation Certificate to dispaly in his living room. . . ” Henry
Pwede siyang magpagawa sa Recto. Tapos display niya sa C.R. 😛
In a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Bangit told the incoming administration to treat the military “with honor and give us the dignity that we deserve,” and said the resignation call is an attempt to destroy the Armed Forces.
____________________________________________________________
I do not understand how Bangit can claim that the military is not treated with honor and dignity that they deserve.
And even if such were the case, how did it come to be ? Why is it that people treat the military with disdain like they do the enemies of the state ?
Remember the likes of Esperon, Ebdane, Palparan, et al ? These (Gloria’s)lapdogs in the military committed crimes against the Filipino people and were financially compensated for a job well done. And when did they commit these alleged crimes ?……………….when they were still active soldiers in the AFP, no less. Instead of respect for the defenders of the state, the people began to hate the men and women in uniform just because the head honcho is a fucking idiot.
And if some smart ass would probably ask, “oh yeah, what crime did they commit” ? The answers is, we never did exactly knew about them. Why ? Because the presidential blanket of immunity from suit was abused and extended by gloria to these so-called, “honorable men in uniform” to neither confirm nor deny anything and thus rendering what would have been presidential impeachment offenses down the sewers.
While it is true that Bangit and the Armed Forces did conduct itself with honor during the elections, the stench of gloria’s foul breath still dangles like a medal of honor on Bangit’s chest being an alleged loyalist to the most hated and most mediocre president (wannabe) the Philippines ever had.
Since the people have yet to see a really “changed” AFP, the cloud of doubt about Bangit’s credibility will linger. And if such a call for his resignation would in fact be Noynoy’s call as president-elect, it is not for the destruction of the AFP as Bangit claims. It would be for the closure and the end of an era of impunity for which Bangit was an unfortunate pawn.
“37. AnnaDeBrux – June 8, 2010 2:46 am
(Tawa si Sibayan!)”
You know him Anna? A close friend is a close friend of R Admiral Sibayan, we’re supposed to meet up with him two weeks ago but we cancelled the visit out of respect for his sick father or mother(??). We’ll try to see him in July.
Maybe I’ll get some hidden facts from him by then.
Tru Blu
He retired a vice-admiral.
Let’s be clear about it. What I meant about humiliating Bangit was the statement of Lacierda, Aquino’s spokesman, last Friday. I’ll try to retrieve that later.
That was the one that Bangit reacted to. That was also the one that I found arrogant and humiliating to Bangit.
Aquino only issued a statement Sunday. he was on vacation last week. That was just to clarify or maybe damage control what his spokesman said.
That’s why I called up Lacierda to ask him how do I reconcile his combative statements and that of his principal which was sober.
His answer to me was ““Huwag mo nang i-reconcile. Yung kay Noynoy na lang ang gamitin mo.”
Take note that in the news item Bangit was reacting to Lacierda’s statement. Lacierda is Aquino’s spokesman. it is presumed that what he is saying are Aquino’s sentiments.
Dapat siguro turuan ni Noynoy yung spokesman niya to stop being in a fighting mood. People who did not vote for his principal are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and support his administration. It’s time they shed off that under-siege paranoia. It’s not Aquino. But people who represent him. Lacierda is his spokesman, his alter ego to the public.
Let’s also be clear about it that there is no issue about Aquino appointing his own chief of staff. Even before elections, Gen. Bangit had said that he won’t mind not being AFP chief under a new administration.
But pwede namang gawin yun without insulting people na wala namang ginawang masama sa kanya.
Here’s the news item on Lacierda’s statement which was the root of this controversy:
Aquino spokesman says Bangit should quit
By Philip Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:01:00 06/05/2010
MANILA, Philippines—Armed forces chief General Delfin Bangit should resign after the Commission on Appointments failed to not confirm him, the spokesperson of presumptive President-elect Benigno Aquino said Saturday.
Lawyer Edwin Lacierda said Bangit’s interim appointment lapsed after the CA withheld its confirmation. He said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could not reappointment Bangit because she was barred from doing so by the constitutional ban on presidential appointments.
“By law, he can no longer hold office and should resign because he was not confirmed. General Bangit should resign,” Lacierda said in an interview. “We don’t even have to say something about it. It is operative by law. He must resign.”
Lacierda said with Article 7 Section 15 of the Constitution banning Ms. Arroyo from making appointments two months immediately before elections and until the end of her term, she could not renew Bangit’s interim appointment.
“The President cannot re-appointment him as chief of staff, as was her practice before with other appointments bypassed by the CA, because we are within the prohibited period,” Lacierda said.
“This time around, the President cannot do that. She cannot remedy the situation. This is a legal no brainer. He cannot discharge his office,” Lacierda added.
He noted that Aquino has also publicly stated that he does not intend to re-appoint Bangit when he assumes office as President.
Oblak re #7 1. Ang appointment nya ay saklaw sa ban during the election period. He was appointed a day before the day of retirement of his predecessor.
Oblak, let’s not get confused here. Gen. Bangit’s appointment is not among the midnight appointments of Arroyo.
The cut off date for the pre-election ban was March 10. The ban started march 11.
Bangit was appointed March 10 because that was the retirement date of his predecessor, Gen. Victor Ibrado.
Talaga namang the appointment of Bangit should be effective on the retirement of his predecessor. He can only be appointed when the position is vacant.
Mam Ellen:
I guess it was just in the manner with which the statement of Lacierda was couched. Alam mo naman ang mga abogado. Very definitive ang statements with matching citation of the specific law pa. If we will recall, Enrile also made a very categorical assertion that Bangit should resign after he was bypassed, only to qualify his ‘opinion’ later on.
So, I guess Lacierda was just echoing Enrile’s earlier pronouncement. The word ‘resign’ in this case was like rubbing salt on his open wounds although I would surmise that Lacierda, he looks like a likable fellow by the way, must have been misinformed about military nuances. You dont make military officers resign, you relieve them of their posts. That’s the lingo that they understand. Note how Bangit was miffed with that term. That was anathema to him and I understand that.The only time that a regular officer in the AFP resigns is, that is if he’s not yet eligible for optional retirement(minimum of 20 years in the service), by resigning his regular commission. He will be then deemed separated from the service with the appropriate benefits for the lenght of service he had rendered.
So there it is. Semantics got the better of them. Aquino already made a statement that he will be speaking with Bangit and I guess he will be persuaded to opt for early retirement, the proper way for a general officer of his stature, to go. Otherwise, he can opt to go on floating status until he is retired compulsorily at the age of 56 which no General in his right mind will do. Para na rin siyang si Glue pag ganoon. Isinusuka ka na, nangungunyapit ka pa.
Thanks.
You are right there, Henry. I talked with Edwin about it. I think he realized his mistake that’s why he said to just concentrate on Noynoy’s statement.
Kaya lang by that time (mahaba din between Friday and Monday, marami nang nasabi.)
Lesson learned siguro on the part of Aquino’s people. pag-isipan muna bago magsalita. This is no longer campaign period. They should realize that every word that Aquino and his representatives say constitute policy.
All’s well that ends well.
Ellen, poor Bangit is a victim/product of Gloria’s shennanigans. If he ever feels like blaiming anybody, he should blame Gloria.
Had Gloria been above board with her dealings and use of the military, things could have been different. Alas, people have lost faith in her appointees. In different circumstances, he could have reached the end of his retirement in glory. But, well, these things happen in the military. Bad luck that it had to happen to him while the others who did truly bad things (his upperclassmen who became CSAFP) came out of it unscathed.
But as Henry said, he’s already made… no way, he’ll leave AFP poor. I can bet my bottom dollar on that. (ISAFP is a bank…)
“It will be very good for our nation that you will have an Armed Forces that is apolitical. It will be very good for the Armed Forces if you treat the Armed Forces will dignity and honor,” … Bangit
Galing naman nitong General na ito … e ano ang pinag-gagawa nitong General na ito nong 2004 election? Ilang General ang sangkot dito …. ngayon ano itong pinagsasabi niya!!!! Di ba isa siya sa mga Garci Generals? Puweeee!!!!
Itatama lang po ang administrasyong darating ang mga kabulastugang pinag-gagawa ng isang Glorya sa ating kasundaluhan.
pumasok si putot na pang gulo aalis siya na pang gulo..indeed consistent siya…hindi lang siya peke pang gulo pa…from the beginning to the end…what a girl? what galls! tunay na walang hiya! yon ang Chief of Staff ni Bnngit..sinira ni putot ang bayan and that is her legacy!
Emperor Bangit is an Arroyo ISAFP loyalist who was involved in the Hello Garci scandal and shutting up Vidal Doble.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20061222-39655/Isafp_holds_lavish_Christmas_bash_with_%91Emperor%92
Ellen Tordesillas: Gloria Arroyo’s chief spook throws lavish party
http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=759
Bangit is not exactly as pure as some people here think. I can’t blame Aquino for not trusting ARroyo’s former PSG head.
http://pinoyweekly.org/new/2009/03/pag-aalsa-laban-sa-susunod-na-hepe-ng-afp/
I don’t feel sorry for Bangit, he’s Arroyo’s right hand man at PSG and ISAFP during Hello Garci. Just like I don’t feel any sympathy for Corona or Genuino too.
http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=759
I got this from someone who just identified himself/themselves as “Hukbong Katihan”
more on emperor bangit
http://pinoyweekly.org/new/2009/03/pag-aalsa-laban-sa-susunod-na-hepe-ng-afp/
Sukatin ba naman nating sa pagpasok ng bagong pangulo ay sasalubungin siya ng pambihirang fireworks display dahilan sa dalawang isyu na pwedeng gawaan ng teleserye.
1. Ang Koronang Tinik with the appointment of Renato Corona as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
2. The Games of the Generals with the appointment of Gen. Bangit as AFP Chief of Staff.
Klarong klaro na sadyang sinadya ni GMA na guluhin ang sitwasyon sa pamamagitan ng mga controversial appointments. Kahit sa huling sandali ay hindi niya pinalampas na ipwesto ang kanyang gustong italaga na pwede namang hayaan na lamang ang susunod na pangulo ang magpasya. Nakakataas talaga ng high blood..
Maki-singit na uli sa usaping ito..Una sa halos 10-taong panungkulan ni GMA, ay nakila-la natin ang “buong kata-uhan ni GMA ” balat-buto-pag-uugali-at mga layunin niya..Si Gen. Bangit ay biktima lamang ng kanyang ” mala-dambuhalang ” ambisyon, dahil may nakita siyang kakayahan, sa magiting na Heneral ( na lumalabas naman na may-katutuhanan, LEADERSHIP). Nasilyan at namalas natin sa loob ng maikling panahon, lalo na ng naka-raang eleksyon,Mayo, 2010, matatag at may sina-sabi ang magiting na Heneral ( Na-ibalik nila, kasama ni Hen. Versoza, ang tiwala ng taong bayan sa AFP at PNP, at image ng PMA ). Ano mang kaguluhan sa ” buhay ” at pag-kasundalo ni Gen. Bangit, siya ay biktima lamang ng GMA admin ( for protection-easy to be manipulted, etc..at bilang mabuting taga-sunod ), ngunit, sa mga sandaling, nawawala ang inpluwensya ni GMA, lumalabas naman ang pagka-maginoo ng heneral, at marunong kumilala ng TAMA at mali. Gayahin na lamang niya ang ginawa ng magiting na Heneral ng PNP, Versoza, marunong kumilala ng Tama, the courtesy of resigning, after The presidential proclamation.
Sana sa panahon ni President-elect NoyNoy Aquino, linisin niya ng mabuti ( bilang CnC ) ang mga reklamo ng mga PMA
graduates na nanunungkulan ngayon, mula 1992-to-2000, huwag
pamarisan ang ginawa ng GMA-admin, na ginulo ang chain of command at nag-resulta sa Magdalo ( nagkaroon ng lamat ang AFP at PNP ). The president to be,should learn from the past and the people behind him should refrain from being arrogant, enhance doubts and confusion. They should be truly
professionals and respectful leaders.
HIndi ako pabor na manatili ang pangit na yan…. este mali… General Delfin Bangit pala. Sory…
Bangit kung may delicadeza ka please naman…. mag resign kana lang para naman mapunta sa isang senior na chief of staff ang 4 Star na Rango kasi hanggat nadyan kapang pangit ka… este mali na naman. Sorry uli… hanggat nadyan kapa hindi pa makukuha ang 4 Star na rango.
Hindi rin ako pabor na idamay ang 301 na official dahil lang kay Bangit… ang 301 na official na yan pwedeng mag Kudeta yan…. kawawa na naman ang bansa natin….
Kaya sana para sa Bagong Presidente… Aquino please huwag idamay ang 301 officers, delicado yan. Hinay hinay lang….
Bangit: I’d rather be fired than quit
Hige. Isalang na sa firing squad si Heneral Dangit. Tingnan kung hanggang saan ang katigasan niya.
Baka katulad din ‘yan ni Ass na hindi pa nakakaamoy ng pulbura ng kalaban, eh.
Di ba’t mas lamang din ang pagiging office boy niyan kaysa combat assignment?
Ano masasabi mo, Lover Boy Ass?
Nakakakiliti naman yung samahan na sumulat, yung Hukbong Katihan. Parang kasama si Kudet Honasan dyan.
Biro lang ha. Alam kong serious at delicate matter pag dating sa military.
Hindi ko lang talaga makayang hindi mag imagine ng mga sexy girls in uniform at member ng Hukbong Katihan. Punish me!!!
Raissa Robles reports Sen. Biazon slammed Bangit. Click Here
http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100310com4.html
The Emperor is, of course, newly designated AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Delfin Bangit who got that name in 2006 when he hosted a Christmas party “second to none,” as one attendee recounted to a broadsheet then, when he headed the Isafp, the military spy agency. One remembers that unit was then very active tracking so-called “enemies of the state” which critics suspected was actually a “hit list” of anti-GMA critics. That kind of guarded assessment bordering on paranoia has hounded Bangit since. He is, as far as his detractors go, GMA’s chief protector, the head of her praetorian guards.
Salamat sa Robles link kosang nasa itaas.
I always have an issue against any person addressing himself in the third person. Kaya mayabang ang dating sa akin ni Bangit.
Mabuti naman at galing din sa service ang sumupalpal kay Bangit. Yung isang estrella ng Emperor, lulubog lilitaw.
I think Gen Bangit is just hiding behind the organization, as what Sen Biazon stressed.
How can he (Bangit) justify his throwing of 500 peso bills during a lavishly celebrated party during his stint as ISAFP chief?
It is easy for him to lie under his teeth and pass impressions that he had served the AFP with the highest degree of courage and integrity when in fact his service was directed only to his patron, the most corrupt unelected president the Philippines ever had, gloria arroyo.
Bangit also boasted that he rather be fired than give up his post showing only his shameless self.
Gen Bangit should have not acted an untouchable before the CA as there are members of the commission who were formerly AFP officers, his seniors.
He’s only good in treating officers and men under his command who were like him ass lickers.
I did not have a chance to be assigned with him in any unit during my years in the service mostly in combat areas and never hear of his exploits in the field.
But his actions during his stay with ISAFP showed the kind of officer he was.
An Assperon II.
Kaibigang Oblak,
“Hukbong Katihan” is Philippine Army in Tagalog, hindi ‘yung kung ano na namang laman ng pilyo mong isipan.
Lasing ka na naman siguro, hane?
Magno,
How can he (Bangit) justify his throwing of 500 peso bills during a lavishly celebrated party during his stint as ISAFP chief?
We mustn’t forget that ISAFP is one of the most powerful agencies in the AFP because it has in its “arsenal” all sorts of intel data on everyone in RP who’s remotely ‘important’ in the eyes of those who’s in power. It also has a budget that’s virtually not scrutinised (Commission on audit) may have the legal powers but very easy to convert “an envelop of receipts” into a top secret stamp which then stops auditors from examining the contents even if the contents are just pieces of white typewriting paper. Plus of course the “bonuses” that the agency receives from Malacanang’s contingency funds. So, it is a source of “wealth” for the guy who heads it. 🙂
Re Raissa’s Biazon interview link.
Well, I’m glad Biazon came out swinging and jabbing (pity, wish he’d done that during Assperon’s time)…
Magno, by the way, if you didn’t know Bangit in the field during your combat days in Mindanao (about the same time when Bangit was supposed to be serving as a junior officer and therefore should be in the field fighting the enemies of the state in combat), nasaan kaya siya noon?
Ok, I don’t want to malign him so let’s say maybe he was in the north fighting the NPA naman but less combat doon contrary to what people may think, most of the time the guys assigned to the north are on patrol in the Cordilleras pero walang barilan all the time unlike in Mindanao…
Btw, Henry,
I wrote this in Inday Varona’s Facebook wall last Saturday:
I can bet my bottom dollar that pres elect Aquino will seek retired LtGen Volt Gazmin’s opinion on the senior officers in contention for top AFP honcho post. Volt will know many of them (from Class 78 still in service) down to Class 84.
However, I’m wondering whether he’ll choose an Army man to be his first CSAFP (I hope when he does, he will bypass Boygee Pangilinan of Class 78 who was a Class 77 turnback.)
Saturday at 17:27
I’ve also bet my bottom dollar somewhere else that Volt will be key military and defence adviser to Aquino…
So Henry, are you going back to join your former boss? First thing you tell him is to do something with the missiles in Malacanang that need to be “overhauled.”
🙂
Anna:
No Mam. I’m happy where I am right now. You’re right. Gazmin’s opinion will be sought in the choice of CS. I dare say Gen Ferrer is the frontrunner right now. Voltz deserves a post in government. Aquino needs upright men and women in his team.If not the SND, OPAMA is the likely position that should be given to him. Aquino will need his help to ‘connect’ with the military and Voltz remains to be a respected soldier’s soldier.
Thanks for the link, John.
Basta Garci General, sipain! Basta Garci General isama sa kulungan kay Gloria!
Si Bangit ay Garci General, traydor sya sa bayan! Wala syang karapatan na manatili sa pwesto kahit isang segundo.
Noy, i-replace mo na ngayon, now na, si Bangit! Kailangan pala talagang guluhin ang Garci General na yan! Sus, kapag Hello Garci ang nabanggit ay kumukulo ang dugo ko sa mga hinayupaks na yan!
Omigawd! si Bangit nga pala ang the Emperor! sige, busisiin pa ang kabangitan ng heneral ni Gloria sa ngalan ng bansa na kanyang tinraydor. Walang rason na ma-extend ang serbisyo nya!
Henry,
I believe you are right — Ferrer will be it.
Voltz will find himself in govt service under Noynoy — not an iota of doubt there. Would like very much for him to be DND chief but a lil bird told me 🙂 that someone else has been tapped for the job (courtesy of Volt’s, i.e., he suggested it.)
Ellen,
Just received a phone call — person said that Noynoy has selected his appointments secretary who also served in the same capacity under Cory? Is this true?
The Brits will be so busy now to touch base with Volt… Unknown even to the AFP at the time (and even for a long time), Volt hired the British special forces SAS to train PSG…
Basta Garci General, sipain! Basta Garci General isama sa kulungan kay Gloria!
Hahahah, galit na galit talaga si Chi sa mga garci generals…
Pareho tayo Chi! Tie up their time and their stolen resources by charging them with all sorts of criminal charges (so they get buried from here to eternity under court procedures!)
” This is no longer just about General Bangit, who they doubt despite contrary evidence. This has been about the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This has been about our politicians who do not understand what the Armed Forces is all about. This is about personalities and persons who do not understand what the Armed forces is all about, this has been about disregarding the military system that they we have worked hard to put up and strengthen for the good of the organization and for the stability of this country.”—————-> Gen. Bangit
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This only goes to show how Gloria corrupted and messed-up (big time) the entire bulokrasi (including the military), este, bureaucracy pala (sorry) transforming otherwise smart people into packs of lamebrains. Proof ? Look at what Bangit just said above.
I agree with Sen. Biazon. Apparently, Bangit does not know what the hell he is talking about. Now that he wants to re-invent himself (not necessarily the Armed Forces), nobody listens.
He may just as well be a another Gloria face in the past corrupt regime or was merely following orders as some of us would say. Either way, people will always see him as another clone in the long line of ass lickers in gloria’s despicable regime of the damned.
I wish him well though. Poor chap.
Boygee Panghilinan? CS,AFP?
Huwag naman!
Para nang ibinalik uli si Asspweron niyan.
Anna, ipagpalagay ng ang ISAFP ay isa sa mga “pinagpalang” unit sa GHQ, but is it wise na magtapon sila ng ganoong kaluhong pagtitipon at parang balewala lang ang pamumudmod ng salaping parang galing sa bulsa nila?
There are ordinary soldiers whose meager salary cannot sustain their daily needs, tapos magpapaulan pa siya ng tig-500 piso?
Huwag na ‘yun. ‘Daming nangagkalat na batang lansangan na maaari nilang matulungan and at the same time ay mababawasan ang puwedeng i-exploit ng criminal gangs. Maililigtas pa nila ang maaaring ma-recruit bilang child combatants.
Puro kasi sila yabang, eh. Sila sa gobyerno ni gogyang.
‘Ayun, ilang tulog na lang aalis na sa Malakanyang, napatigil na ba ang insurgency as the puta always ipinagyayabang?
Biglang sumagi sa isipan kong baka mahilo si Noynoy at gawing CS, AFP si Boygee Panghilinan.
Gutom na, eh!
Biglang sumagi sa isipan kong baka mahilo si Noynoy at gawing CS, AFP si Boygee
Hahahah…
Magno, balita ko si Ferrer daw eh. (Classmate ni Boygee before he was turned back.)
jawo, “bulokrasi” (in lieu of bureaucracy) – I like!
jawo, I agree with your comment. Bangit is in the process of re-inventing himself. If he truly cares about the entire AFP, he could have shown it when his tunay na amo started bastardizing it more than nine years ago.
Sa Garci-Gloria’s Generals, I just can’t force myself to trust them because of what happened to Pinas when they participated in Hello Garci, kasuklam-suklam!
Sana mabago ang “bulokrasi) at maibalik ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa militar at kapulisan.
Anna, re 74: It’s Margie Juico. That’s what I also heard.
Once again Gloria’s small shadow loomed large as a kiss of death to people she touched. First to fall was GIBO who ran for the presidency and lost. Now it is BANGIT. Bangit’s fate now lies in Noynoy’s hands whether he becomes the next Chief of Staff or that the Chief will put a STOP to his appointment.
When that happens, what do we call him ? Chief of Stop, perhaps ??
Ellen,
Btw, if I were Aquino, I’d choose Ferrer for one and one reason alone: the guy “would shoot!” at my command. 🙂