MANILA, Philippines?The Philippine Army said Friday that working for credible elections in May was among the top four priorities of its soldiers this year.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit disclosed that the Army has four "ACEs" to work for throughout the year and these included advocating for credible elections, concern for the environment, concern for engineering and combat excellence

"We will do everything to contribute to very peaceful and credible elections [and] the Army will not participate in any partisan politics except to exercise our right to suffrage," Bangit said in a statement on Friday.

To dispel public doubt, soldiers will carry out only "legal orders" from the Commission on Elections and "higher office," added Bangit, reputed to be among the most trusted generals of President Macapagal-Arroyo.

He stressed that the Army was prepared to prevent any armed group from disturbing the elections.

"This nation has to move on," he said.

Speculation is rife that he would assume the post of AFP chief of staff when Gen. Victor Ibrado retires in March.

Earlier, Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales disclosed that a memorandum of agreement was being crafted between the Department of National Defense and the Comelec providing for a more active role for soldiers during the May balloting.

Critics opposed the idea of deploying troops to carry out election duties, saying it was dangerous in light of the "Hello Garci" election cheating scandal.

But during the AFP's 74th anniversary last week, Ibrado assured the nation that soldiers will not go anywhere near the ballots during the May elections.

Bangit also said that for this year, the Army will deploy 1,700 troops solely for development and reconstruction efforts especially in areas hit hardest by recent typhoons.

"A large chunk of the budget of the command will be allocated for the procurement of engineering equipment such as bulldozers and graders," he said.