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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte offers MWSS post to ex-AFP chief-of-staff Gapay

Duterte offers MWSS post to ex-AFP chief-of-staff Gapay

Published Feb 4, 2021 07:33 pm

President Duterte has offered former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff General Gilbert Gapay to either be the administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) or join the Department of National Defense (DND) as he ended his stint as the country's top soldier.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ALBERTO ALCAIN/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte made the statement as he led the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in Honor of Gapay at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday evening.

In his speech, Duterte congratulated Gapay for a successful tour of duty as chief-of-staff of the AFP.

But not a minute passed and Duterte already made an offer to keep Gapay in government.

"Sir, after tonight, you might want, you might opt to take the MWSS vacated by Gen. Salamat or you might also choose to be with your home ground, the DND," he said.

"It's your choice," he added.

Duterte commended Gapay for steering the AFP toward the government's goal of eliminating insurgency and securing the country's sovereignty even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You inspired your troops to risk their lives to contain the pandemic and providing essential humanitarian assistance to our people," he said.

"Your example of hard work and excellence has set a high standard not only for you and those around you; but most especially for the institution’s future leadership, the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added.

New leadership

Meanwhile, President Duterte enjoined the troops to remain vigilant and proactive in performing their duties under the leadership of new AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

"I am confident that under Lt. Gen. Sobejana’s leadership, the AFP will achieve even more milestones in its campaign to address insurgency and terror, and put an end to all these threats to our national security," he said.

"It is my hope that this new beginning will ensure a more fruitful collaboration as we strive to be a source of great moral strength for our people," he added.

Duterte likewise assured the members of the AFP of the government’s full support for the promotion of their improved welfare, as well as the upgrading of their capabilities in securing the safety of the people.

"As keepers of peace and order, you are instrumental in building a safe environment where our people can live without fear from lawless elements," he said.

"Through our joint efforts in building the road to recovery during the pandemic, I am confident that we will move closer to achieving our shared aspirations for a better and stronger Philippines," he added.

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