President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino has assigned the new Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Sunday, March 06, 2011 Air Force Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban, Jr. to replace the retiring Chief of Staff Ricardo David.
Aquino said during the graduation ceremonies at the ‘Philippine Military Academy’ that he was confident Oban in terms of character and confidence to replace Chief of Staff Ricardo David.
Since 1996 ‘Air Force Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban, Jr.’ is the third AFP chief coming from the Air Force agency. Being the ‘Deputy Chief of Staff’ responsible for the Administration and Supervision of the Joint-coordinating, Technical and Special Staffs of the Military Headquarters, Oban held the third highest post in the Armed Forces before his appointment as the new AFP Chief.
The soldiers of Madalo have chosen Oban to be a part of the government panel negotiation with them for their return to the barracks was one of the most memorable roles he did.
Similar to his predecessor David who served only 8 months as AFP chief, Oban could be one of the shortest stints in the AFP will be serving for only 9 months only.
President Aquino preferred of choosing short-term AFP chiefs of staff similar to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who have appointed 10 chiefs of staff.
The incoming chief of the AFP already has all the knowledge of the widespread allegations about the military corruption.
Aquino in his speech to the new graduates emphasizes the importance of dignity of a soldier along the issues blemished the soldier integrity.
He said “Politicians will be attracting them with money and power, but the most important above all is ‘katapatan, katapangan at malasakit sa kapwa’ is more than high grades and medal.”