Visaya as next AFP chief ‘highly speculative’ – AFP

From the Daily Tribune (May 18): Visaya as next AFP chief ‘highly speculative’ – AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday branded as “highly speculative” reports that Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya would be the next AFP chief of staff.

Talks of Visaya’s possible assumption as AFP chief spread after presumptive president Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reportedly said he prefers the “vibrant” Solcom commander to lead the 125,000-strong organization.

Asked of his reaction after Duterte’s pronouncement, Visaya said “being considered to be the next CSAFP (chief of staff AFP) is already an honor.”

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, Visaya was previously included in the shortlist for AFP and Army chief.

At a press briefing, Brig. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said that unless official orders are issued by proper authorities, the AFP considers such information as speculation.

“That is highly speculative…we cannot make any announcement until the next administration makes official announcements,” said Padilla.

Padilla stressed that the appointment of AFP chief goes through the process under the Board of Generals (BoG) composed of senior officials of the AFP.

So far, Padilla said that the BoG is yet to convene to come up with the shortlist of candidates to be submitted to Duterte upon his assumption as commander in chief on June 30.

He also said he would not when would the BoG convene and come up with a shortlist of candidates.
“Names (in the shortlist) will come from established process,” said Padilla.

Padilla said that the Aquino administration did not appoint a permanent replacement of retired AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri to give the next administration the freehand in choosing the next military chief.

President Aquino instead installed Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, AFP vice chief of staff, as acting chief of staff.

“It is good thing the next administration will start with a clean slate,” Padilla said.

Currently, the BoG is composed of Miranda, Maj. Gen. Salvador Mison, the deputy chief of staff; Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano; Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina.

The AFP spokesman said that under the law, a president can extend the selection up to those with the rank of colonel and up.

Right now, Padilla said there are more than 600 AFP officers with the rank of colonel and up.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/visaya-as-next-afp-chief-highly-speculative-afp