Esperon dismisses reports he'll be given top DND post

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Friday dismissed reports that he will be appointed to the top Defense post, after he retires from the military service on May 9. In an interview, Esperon said there have been no “overtures" from Malacanang that he would be replacing Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr who is rumored to be transferred to the Justice Department. “That’s all speculations. You know the matter of serving in the Cabinet is entirely the President’s choice, prerogative of the President," said Esperon. "I would not even impose myself because as I said its entirely the presidents prerogative," he added. Esperon is due to retire from the service in May 9, when the three-month extension of his term expires. He will be replaced by Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano as AFP chief. On whether he would accept if offered another position, Esperon said: “If I could be of service, if I could help I am one who would not back out, shirk from my duty so let see but certainly, government or non-government, we have plans because we are only 56 (years old)." For his part, Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita also brushed off reports that Esperon will take the Defense post while Teodoro will be given the Justice portfolio, saying there are no talks of a reshuffle in President Arroyo's Cabinet. "There is no talk about a Cabinet revamp in Malacañang," Ermita said. When pressed to comment on reports that Teodoro will be moved to DOJ to accomodate Esperon in the Defense department, Ermita said: "That's what I read in the papers but I think that's highly speculative. Nakausap ko si Sec. Teodoro, sabi niya he has not been told or talked about it by anyone so no such talk of any revamp whatsoever." - GMANews.TV