PRESS RELEASE
March 9, 2010

The League of Filipino Students warned that the appointment of Gen. Delfin Bangit as AFP Chief-of-Staff reeks of dangerous historic references to former dictator Marcos’ most loyal general, Fabian Ver.

“It is no secret that Gen. Bangit is Mrs. Arroyo’s most favored and loyal general, and we are certain that he would serve Mrs. Arroyo’s interests more than ensuring that the military shall not interfere in the conduct of the 2010 elections.” This was the statement of Terry Ridon, National Chairperson of the League of Filipino Students, upon receiving news that Gen. Victor Ibrado’s term was not extended.

Ridon likened the loyalty of Gen. Bangit to the blind loyalty of Gen. Fabian Ver to President Marcos, in which the late general was jointly responsible with Marcos for the thousands of human rights violations under the regime, notwithstanding the infamous query by Ver during EDSA I whether to fire upon the millions of Filipinos participated in the five-day revolution.

“The appointment of Gen. Bangit is suspect in the face of unrelenting reports on the political plans of Mrs. Arroyo to regain political power thru Charter Change by installing herself as Prime Minister despite the election of a new President in May. She needs her most loyal general to trump by military force all opposition to such plans.”

Ridon intimated that the two requisites for Marcos’ martial law were absolute control of the armed forces and the subjugation of a pliant Supreme Court to legitimize continuing political power.

“The appointment of Gen. Bangit fulfills the first requisite, and the anticipated midnight appointment of a new Chief Justice would fulfill the other. The prospects are grave, albeit dangerous.”

However, he was confident that Gen. Bangit might soon share the same fate as the disgraced late Gen. Ver, as the people would surely not put up with an extension of Mrs. Arroyo’s power beyond June 2010.

“Never underestimate the capacity of the Filipino to wage people power. If Mrs. Arroyo mishandles her cards in the final months of her discredited presidency, she ought to be prepared to be decisively removed from power.”