Cruz a no-show at press con with US official - Malaya 11.11.2006
BY VICTOR REYES
DEFENSE Secretary Avelino Cruz was a no-show yesterday at a joint press conference with a United States official where he was expected to answer questions about his recent decision to resign.
"He begged off because he is preparing his after-term report that includes the achievements he has made," said Rosulo Manlangit, DND public affairs director.
Before the scheduled conference, Cruz met with Dr. John Hillen, US assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, who is the link between the State department and Pentagon.
The meeting held at Cruz’ office at the DND lasted about two hours.
After the meeting, Hillen and other officials proceeded to the DND’s Social Hall where the conference was held. Cruz stayed in his office.
Cruz submitted his irrevocable resignation, effective Nov. 30, to President Arroyo last Sunday.
His resignation letter did not state any reason for his decision. He has not talked with media since.
On Wednesday, Manlangit said Cruz might face the media after the meeting with Hillen. He said Cruz would answer questions about his resignation and was then preparing his statement on his resignation.
Asked yesterday when Cruz will finally say what prompted him to quit from the post he has held for more than two years, Manlangit said: "As soon as it (after-term report) is completed. Maybe next week, within one week."
Cruz submitted his resignation letter two weeks after the Supreme Court, voting 8-7, threw out the consolidated petitions for people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, branding the Palace-backed proposal to shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government as "deceptive and misleading."
Cruz has aired strong opposition to the initiative mode and this, he said, was the reason three Cabinet men wanted him out.
Hillen and US Ambassador Kristie Kenny, in a press briefing, described Cruz as a "real visionary for the region and for this country" and an "extraordinary leader."
They were accompanied by AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
"We have had tremendous partner in secretary Cruz who has been a real visionary…We wish Secretary Cruz every success as he returns to private life and we very much look forward to continuing progress with his successor," said Kenny.
Hillen said Cruz’ latest achievement is in leaving in place "this terrific institutional momentum for a continued defense reform." He was referring to the Philippine Defense Reform Program, which Pentagon is supporting.
Hillen and Cruz talked about various issues, including Philippine and US cooperation in the fight against terrorism, maritime issues and disaster-response, among others.
Asked if there will be changes in security cooperation policy in view of the resignation of US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield, Hillen said the US and the Philippines are committed to "continue this tremendous momentum" on security cooperation.
"(Philippine) defense reform will continue to move forward and we’ll continue to support the Philippine-led effort," said Hillen, who also gave the assurance of continued cooperation in the southern Philippines which he said "is starting to bear tremendous fruit.
"All of that will continue to move forward at pace. But we need to concentrate very diligently over the next few years on building this terrific start… We’re going to put all our efforts into making sure that we’ll realize that agenda," added.
Hillen is flying today to Mindanao where US forces are training Filipino troops in anti-terrorism.
He said he and his delegate will visit Sulu, a stronghold of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
DUTERTE TO DND?
Malacañang’s list for Cruz’ replacement is down to two surprise candidates, according to sources.
They named Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Tarlac Rep. Gilberto Teodoro.
Duterte, the President’s adviser on terrorism, is said to be the frontrunner among the choices of civilians for the defense department.
The sources said Duterte had been promised the position by the President even when Cruz was still in office.
Duterte, who is eligible for re-election, still has to make up his mind, the sources said.
Duterte is known for his no-nonsense brand of local governance and for allegedly backing "vigilante" groups.
Recently, the mayor’s name was dragged into the controversy surrounding the supposed successful attempt of an anti-terrorism expert to bring in explosive materials on a flight from Davao to Manila. The terrorism expert was said to be under the employ of Duterte.
Duterte fired the expert and denied sanctioning his operation.
Duterte, who also served as Davao congressman for one term, has been impatient over the failure of Congress to pass the anti-terrorism bill.
Should Duterte decline, the defense portfolio might be given to Teodoro, the sources said.
Teodoro, bar topnotcher nephew of businessman and San Miguel chairman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, is the head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) founded by Cojuangco.
He is a UP and Harvard graduate and holds master’s degree from the National Defense College,
He is in his last term and is said to be opting to retire from politics.
The names of Reps. Prospero Pichay and Ronaldo Solis have also cropped up as possible replacement for Cruz.
Esperon said he has been consulting some sectors on the possibility of retired military and police generals being appointed as defense secretary.
Among them are former AFP chiefs Narciso Abaya and Generoso Senga and former PNP chief and now Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.
Abaya is now chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
Earlier reports said Esperon has recommended at least six candidates. Esperon belied this.
"I have not been asked to recommend," he said.
Pressed who would he suggest if consulted by the President, the AFP chief said: "I would probably not, unless I am asked a name but I would give some characteristics."
ESPERON’S PLEA
Esperon said retired military and police generals should not be discriminated against in the selection of Cruz’ successor.
Interviewed in Camp Crame after an AFP, PNP and media fellowship on Thursday night, Esperon said the selection of the next defense chief should be guided by qualification, including integrity and knowledge about the military. – With Dennis Gadil
DEFENSE Secretary Avelino Cruz was a no-show yesterday at a joint press conference with a United States official where he was expected to answer questions about his recent decision to resign.
"He begged off because he is preparing his after-term report that includes the achievements he has made," said Rosulo Manlangit, DND public affairs director.
Before the scheduled conference, Cruz met with Dr. John Hillen, US assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, who is the link between the State department and Pentagon.
The meeting held at Cruz’ office at the DND lasted about two hours.
After the meeting, Hillen and other officials proceeded to the DND’s Social Hall where the conference was held. Cruz stayed in his office.
Cruz submitted his irrevocable resignation, effective Nov. 30, to President Arroyo last Sunday.
His resignation letter did not state any reason for his decision. He has not talked with media since.
On Wednesday, Manlangit said Cruz might face the media after the meeting with Hillen. He said Cruz would answer questions about his resignation and was then preparing his statement on his resignation.
Asked yesterday when Cruz will finally say what prompted him to quit from the post he has held for more than two years, Manlangit said: "As soon as it (after-term report) is completed. Maybe next week, within one week."
Cruz submitted his resignation letter two weeks after the Supreme Court, voting 8-7, threw out the consolidated petitions for people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, branding the Palace-backed proposal to shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government as "deceptive and misleading."
Cruz has aired strong opposition to the initiative mode and this, he said, was the reason three Cabinet men wanted him out.
Hillen and US Ambassador Kristie Kenny, in a press briefing, described Cruz as a "real visionary for the region and for this country" and an "extraordinary leader."
They were accompanied by AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
"We have had tremendous partner in secretary Cruz who has been a real visionary…We wish Secretary Cruz every success as he returns to private life and we very much look forward to continuing progress with his successor," said Kenny.
Hillen said Cruz’ latest achievement is in leaving in place "this terrific institutional momentum for a continued defense reform." He was referring to the Philippine Defense Reform Program, which Pentagon is supporting.
Hillen and Cruz talked about various issues, including Philippine and US cooperation in the fight against terrorism, maritime issues and disaster-response, among others.
Asked if there will be changes in security cooperation policy in view of the resignation of US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield, Hillen said the US and the Philippines are committed to "continue this tremendous momentum" on security cooperation.
"(Philippine) defense reform will continue to move forward and we’ll continue to support the Philippine-led effort," said Hillen, who also gave the assurance of continued cooperation in the southern Philippines which he said "is starting to bear tremendous fruit.
"All of that will continue to move forward at pace. But we need to concentrate very diligently over the next few years on building this terrific start… We’re going to put all our efforts into making sure that we’ll realize that agenda," added.
Hillen is flying today to Mindanao where US forces are training Filipino troops in anti-terrorism.
He said he and his delegate will visit Sulu, a stronghold of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
DUTERTE TO DND?
Malacañang’s list for Cruz’ replacement is down to two surprise candidates, according to sources.
They named Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Tarlac Rep. Gilberto Teodoro.
Duterte, the President’s adviser on terrorism, is said to be the frontrunner among the choices of civilians for the defense department.
The sources said Duterte had been promised the position by the President even when Cruz was still in office.
Duterte, who is eligible for re-election, still has to make up his mind, the sources said.
Duterte is known for his no-nonsense brand of local governance and for allegedly backing "vigilante" groups.
Recently, the mayor’s name was dragged into the controversy surrounding the supposed successful attempt of an anti-terrorism expert to bring in explosive materials on a flight from Davao to Manila. The terrorism expert was said to be under the employ of Duterte.
Duterte fired the expert and denied sanctioning his operation.
Duterte, who also served as Davao congressman for one term, has been impatient over the failure of Congress to pass the anti-terrorism bill.
Should Duterte decline, the defense portfolio might be given to Teodoro, the sources said.
Teodoro, bar topnotcher nephew of businessman and San Miguel chairman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, is the head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) founded by Cojuangco.
He is a UP and Harvard graduate and holds master’s degree from the National Defense College,
He is in his last term and is said to be opting to retire from politics.
The names of Reps. Prospero Pichay and Ronaldo Solis have also cropped up as possible replacement for Cruz.
Esperon said he has been consulting some sectors on the possibility of retired military and police generals being appointed as defense secretary.
Among them are former AFP chiefs Narciso Abaya and Generoso Senga and former PNP chief and now Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.
Abaya is now chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
Earlier reports said Esperon has recommended at least six candidates. Esperon belied this.
"I have not been asked to recommend," he said.
Pressed who would he suggest if consulted by the President, the AFP chief said: "I would probably not, unless I am asked a name but I would give some characteristics."
ESPERON’S PLEA
Esperon said retired military and police generals should not be discriminated against in the selection of Cruz’ successor.
Interviewed in Camp Crame after an AFP, PNP and media fellowship on Thursday night, Esperon said the selection of the next defense chief should be guided by qualification, including integrity and knowledge about the military. – With Dennis Gadil
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