New armed forces chief reacts to GMA loyalist tag

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's former security aide Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit on Wednesday formally took over as chief of the Philippine armed forces and assured the citizenry that the military will protect their votes "as if they are our votes."

"We will be protecting your votes as if they are our votes, protect the votes of the citizens as if they are our votes. This is not lip service," Bangit said in his speech during his formal induction as the 40th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, replacing Gen. Victor Ibrado, who retired on Wednesday.

Bangit said he shared the opinion of the others that “we need a very, very credible elections” to be able to help the country move on.

“We will always be on the side of what is good and what is right,” he said.

The new AFP chief made the assurance amid accusations that his appointment is part of the administration’s grand plan to use the military to cheat in the May 10 elections or to stay in power beyond June 30.

Bangit assured that he “will not taint my name and betray the people.”

The political opposition has aired concerns over Bangit’s appointment as chief of the AFP because of his perceived closeness to Mrs. Arroyo.

The opposition has alleged that Mrs. Arroyo plans to stay in power despite repeated assurances that she will leave after her term ends on June 30.

'No illegal orders from PGMA'

Bangit, meanwhile, justified his loyalty to Mrs. Arroyo.

“The reason why I have so much respect for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is because after all these years, never have I received illegal orders from her,” he said.

He added: “I’m sorry if that is not what you want to hear, but that is the truth.”

Bangit is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1978, which has President Arroyo as an honorary member. He was also military aide of Mrs. Arroyo when she was still the vice president under the Estrada administration.

He pleaded to the political opposition to “please, please spare your armed forces from politics,” adding that too much politicking frustrates many in the military.

Before the new AFP chief started his speech, he said, “Puwede na akong magsalita (Now I can speak).”

He said he had to respond to criticisms surrounding his appointment because he did not want to be remiss in his duty as ‘father of the armed forces.”

Bangit also lashed at his critics for constantly sowing intrigue regarding his promotions since he was assigned as commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

“What happened to my years of hard work and sacrifice?” he said, adding that he rose from the ranks because of his professionalism and dedication to the military service.

“My career did not start when I was in PSG as most people are inclined to think. My career started during my separation from my family… When I was a young lieutenant.”

Fit as AFP chief of staff

In his speech, Ibrado assured that the AFP is in good hands with Bangit, whom, he said, has all the tools to lead the military.

He said Bangit is “fit to serve as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines” because of his outstanding military career.

Ibrado told the military to remain “non-partisan” and “actively work for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.”

The outgoing AFP chief, meanwhile, thanked Mrs. Arroyo for trusting in his ability to lead the military up to the end of his tour of duty.

He said he is leaving the AFP with the Communist Party of the Philippines “on the verge of irrelevance.”

Bangit, for his part, assured that the military would remain relentless in its anti-insurgency campaign.