Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to receive or act on a shortlist of candidates to replace Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who is set to retire in two weeks, Malacañang said Monday, July 6.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said she has not received any information that a list of possible successors had been submitted to the president.
“Sa ngayon, wala pa pong naipapaabot sa atin,” Castro said.
[Translation: As of now, no information has been relayed to us.]
Asked what qualities Marcos is looking for in the next military chief, Castro said the president wants someone who is trustworthy, patriotic and dedicated to public service.
“Unang-una po, of course, mapagkakatiwalaan, makabayan, maka-Diyos at masipag, at ang iniisip ay kapakanan ng bayan,” she said.
[Translation: First and foremost, of course, someone who is trustworthy, patriotic, God-fearing and hardworking, and whose priority is the welfare of the nation.]
Brawner is scheduled to retire later this month upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for military officers.
