Camille P. Balagtas
People's TONIGHT
August 23, 2002
Senate urges Malacanang to consider Cimatu's extension
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Senators both from the administration and opposition camp insist
and backed the call for the extension of Gen. Roy Cimatu's tour
of duty as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Stressing the need to extend Gen. Cimatu term, Senate President
Franklin Drilon said extending Cimatu's term as AFP chief of
staff beyond his retirement age does not violate the Constitution
as long as it is within the three-year term.
While Gen. Cimatu deserves it, Drilon stressed, it is a matter
which belongs to the sound discretion of President Arroyo as
commander in chief.
But Drilon said it is not advisable at this point of time to
appoint a replacement for Cimatu considering the sensitivity of
the said position.
"We need an expert and somebody who knows exactly what to do
specifically on the Abu Sayyaf matter." Drilon pointed out.
Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III echoed the same view ,as he
endorsed the extension of Cimatu's term as AFP chief of staff,
saying it is unwise to change the leader in the middle of war
against the Abu Sayyaf Group and terrorism.
The powerful Commission on Appointments confirmed Cimatu's
promotion recently to four-star general and appointment as chief
of staff despite some protest.
"I am in favor of extending his (Cimatu's) tour of duty but
that is a matter address to the sound discretion of the
President," said Drilon, who concurrently chairs the 25-man
commission.
Under the Constitution, the chief of staff can be given a
definite term of three years or less even beyond his retirement
age. Cimatu is set to retire on Sept. 4.
Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on
defense and national security, and Senator Edgardo Angara
suggested that it would be better that the AFP chief be allowed
to complete his tour of duty of three years in order to avoid
disturbance in the continuity of the government's anti-terrorism
campaign.
When asked on this matter, Cimatu said he is willing to accept
any extension if needed. ///Camille p. balagtas