From ABS-CBN (Jun 22): Catapang: All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said he won’t run for an elective post once he steps down from office next month.
"If you will run, you have to spend money. It may deplete my retirement benefits," said Catapang.
He said, however, he is still committed to serving the government even as a civilian. "Yes... I still have to work because I want to begin a new chapter of my life. I will have to think about it first."
Catapang is set to leave the military on July 11 when he reaches the mandatory age of 56.
He said “all my bags are packed, I’m ready to go." He has been going around to visit the troops stationed in different commands across the country.
On Wednesday, he is set to say his goodbyes to the men and women of the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City and the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City. He will then proceed to the Central Command and Second Air Division in Cebu the following day.
On Saturday, Catapang will have his exit visit at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
He said he will still go back to Pag-asa Island, which the Philippine occupies in the West Philippine Sea, but already as a civilian.
He went there last month as a show of unity among soldiers and civilians guarding the country’s sovereignty vis-a-vis China.
In the meantime, he said he wants to take a vacation first upon retirement.
"I will celebrate my birthday and relax because I've never rested for 38 years," he said.
As AFP chief for less than a year, Catapang faced several issues that tested his leadership, including the Mamasapano tragedy that pitted the military against the police.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/22/15/catapang-all-my-bags-are-packed-im-ready-go
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