The Issue:
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday belied speculations that Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr lobbied for an extension of his post.
Government-run dzRB radio quoted Mrs Arroyo as saying that her decision stemmed from “consultations” with junior officers.
President Arroyo reportedly said that from a military standpoint, it would be better to have “continuity of leadership,” and not derail the campaign against the New People’s Army.
According to the dzRB report, Mrs Arroyo also said Esperon had been ready to step down, as his family returned from the United States to “celebrate” his retirement.
The report also said the three-month extension of Esperon’s term was also period that the government set on its heightened campaign against the NPA. - GMANews.TV/01/26/2008 | 02:55 PM
The Opinion:
Leadership and good management is certainly one of the attribute that would justify an individual’s work habit and advancement. Through the years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been balancing in both ends—accomplishments and failures. The former matter would consist on the notes of good conducts that are achieved though military campaigns and strategies which are greatly utilized by the force. However, not the whole military sector is standing on that post. There are still, as reality would dictate inevitable conditions that the force is being criticized because of its malfunctions. This proves the latter matter which is an immense disappointment for the part of the public.
Gen. Hermohenes Esperon deserves a not-so-perfect applaud from the people since through his term, he has manifested and enacted measures that solidify the county’s campaign against terrorism. This is seen through their anti-New People’s Army (NPA) crusade. Last quarter was a big disclosure for the country’s movements since there are no general threats and actions of terrorism.
Thus, the security issue is certainly relevant for a country that is experiencing major economic and financial changes. Without the comfort of the military precautions, I really would not think that we could little by little stabilize things. And for that matter, Gen. Esperon deserves a few more clenches.
