PNoy gets new AFP chief amid corruption scandals

BY SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief, Panay News

MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III has named Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban Jr. as the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and promised to punish corrupt generals and their accomplices.

Oban, an experienced fighter pilot, will take over the post to be vacated by outgoing Chief of Staff Ricardo David Jr.

David is retiring. He will be 56 years old tomorrow, the mandatory age of retirement in the AFP.

The turnover ceremonies will be held today in Camp Aguinaldo.

President Aquino announced his choice for the new AFP chief during yesterday’s graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Laon Alab Class 2011 in Baguio City, hoping to restore credibility to an institution facing corruption allegation.

“We will right wrongs. We will straighten those who have been twisted in government and make the thieves and their cohorts answer for their sins. We will not tolerate anybody. There will be no holy cows in our crusade,” the President said.

Oban belongs to PMA Class 1979. He is the third chief of staff since 1996 to come from the Philippine Air Force.

He promised to reform the military's personnel, logistics and financial system to stop corruption, and focus on upgrading the army and navy's capabilities.

The new AFP chief finished a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sto. Tomas before entering PMA.

He also holds a master’s degree in business economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

During PMA’s graduation rites at the Borromeo Field yesterday, Aquino commissioned 196 first-class cadets of the academy as second lieutenants and ensigns of the AFP.

He urged the new graduates to uphold integrity and loyalty to the flag.

“You are here not because you want to get rich but because you are concerned with the nation,” Aquino said. “I hope that when someone dumps a truckload of money in front of you, you can easily resist the temptation of taking it. The principles that the PMA instilled in you should prevail.”

Cadet 1st Class Angelo Parras, 21, of Apalit, Pampanga received the Presidential Saber from the President for topping his class. Parras is reportedly joining the Philippine Navy.

Cadet First Class John Gregor Guiang, 21, of Zamboanga del Norte, and Jason Cortes Luna, 23, of Enrile, Cagayan, ranked second and third, respectively.

Also included in the list of the PMA top 10 graduates were Aljay Cabriga Dino of Naic, Cavite; Rigor Nagar Pamitan of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Janice Baniaga Matbagan of Baguio City; Bobby Gabayno of Cainta, Rizal; Ramon Kristofer Ganab Engay of Tuao, Cagayan; Norman Avila Carual of Tabaco City, Albay; and Jason Fabros Parinas of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

This year’s graduating class is the youngest in the last five years, with their median ages between 20 and 22.

PMA officials said the class has at least 10 members aged 20 years old. They need a waiver to serve as officers in the military because the Armed Forces require its members to be at least 21.

Of the 196 graduates, 22 are females. One hundred and five cadets will join the army, 51 will go to the navy, and 40 will join the air force.

Present at the PMA graduation rites were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

In welcoming the graduates to the military service, Aquino warned them of the challenges ahead.

“You should keep in mind that you will face difficult challenges for the first time – corruption, injustice and poverty,” Aquino said in Filipino.

“You will meet people posing as politicians. They will try to seduce you with piles of money and offer you power so you will stray from the straight path,” he said./PN