A number of retired high-ranking officers of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are seeing the qualities of the next commander-in-chief in Vice President Leni Robredo because she is ready to effect reforms in the institutions.
During the weekly 1Sambayan virtual forum, former Navy officer and Senator Antonio Trillanes cited the Vice President’s “clear plan” on issues of national security and sovereignty.
Trillanes, who is seeking reelection in the Senate under Robredo’s slate, said former senior AFP and PNP officers are helping Robredo craft security policies.
Some of the retired military and police officials who have already expressed support for Robredo are Maj. Gen. Generoso Cerbo Jr., Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, former chiefs of staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri and Gen. Eduardo Oban, and Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, former Navy Flag Officer in Command.
“Aside from being a good leader, VP Leni knows how to listen to her people. She is open to hearing the inputs of experts,” said Trillanes.
READ: Retired AFP, PNP officials back Robredo’s presidential bid
He added Robredo “is ready to come up with a decision” amid various issues and contradicting opinions.
Former Senator Rodolfo Biazon believes the “institutional sense of value” of the Armed Forces remains intact despite efforts by President Duterte to court the soldiers.
“The military will support a good and strong leader. VP Leni is the kind of leader who does not need to bribe the military,” said Biazon, a retired general and former chief of staff.
Biazon stressed the importance of the principle of “civilian authority over the military,” which he said will be pushed by the Robredo administration.
He also noted ex-AFP and PNP officers who support Robredo believe in her principles and platform of government, especially when it comes to security matters.