Ex-AFP chief Bautista gets undersecretary post

(Updated 9:05 p.m.) Former Armed Forces chief and retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has been appointed as an undersecretary under the Office of the President.

 

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed Bautista's appointment papers last August 11.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Bautista will serve as executive director of the Cabinet's security, justice and peace cluster.

"Ang layunin nito ay para maging aligned ‘yung kanilang mga ginagawang mga proyekto, programa dahil magkakahawig naman at iisa lang naman ang pinatutunguhan ‘non," Coloma told reporters.

He said President Benigno Aquino III deemed it proper to appoint a "coordinator" in this Cabinet cluster because of current issues related to security and justice, including the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute and the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity.

"Naniniwala ang Pangulo na siya [Bautista] ay may kapasidad na magbigay ng mahalagang ambag sa pamamagitan ng kanyang kaalaman hinggil sa security situation batay sa kanyang karanasan bilang Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces," Coloma said.

 

Earlier this month, President Benigno Aquino III already hinted at a possible government post for Bautista after the general relinquished the military leadership to General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

 

Aquino has given all former AFP chiefs during his incumbency—retired Generals Ricardo David, Eduardo Oban Jr. and Jessie Dellosa—government posts after they bowed out of military service.

Other appointees

Coloma likewise maintained that Aquino appoints former military officials to civilian posts based on merit.

"Maaga ‘yung retirement age sa military. Nakapanghihinayang naman kung ang kanilang husay at galing sa pamumuno ay hindi mapapakinabangan. Pero ‘yung pagpili sa kanila ay batay sa kakayahan at sa merito," he said.

Aside from Bautista, Aquino also appointed former Rear Admiral and Western Mindanao Naval Forces commander Armando Guzman as acting assistant general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration director Saul de Vries was meanwhile appointed as acting director of the Department of Labor and Employment's International Labor Affairs Bureau.

Aquino also formalized the appointment of Department of Education (DepEd) assistant secretary Tonisito Umali.

Former Caloocan City Vice Mayor Nancy Quimpo was meanwhile given a seat in the Philippine Red Cross' board of governors. —KG/KBK, GMA News