MANILA, Philippines?Administration senatorial candidate Silvestre Bello III dared incoming Armed Forces Chief of Staff Delfin Bangit on Tuesday to prove critics wrong by helping ensure "credible elections.''

Bello, former Cabinet secretary, said it wasn't surprising for senators to air their reservations about Bangit's appointment because of his track record.

"We can't blame them if they express apprehension or reservation because of his track record,'' he said by phone.

Bello said, however, that this should prod the government and the incoming AFP chief to "be more circumspect in handling the elections, and help in ensuring free, honest and orderly elections.''

"The challenge for him is to prove everyone wrong,'' he said. "He should redeem himself and show that he's a professional soldier.''

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno "Noynoy'' Aquino III and his running mate Senator Manuel "Mar'' Roxas II had echoed concerns about the military's neutrality in the elections under Bangit's watch.

Detained Col. Ariel Querubin, himself a senatorial candidate, said Bangit's appointment was a "prize'' for his loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo announced Monday Bangit's appointment in the place of Armed Forces chief General Victor Ibrado, who is to retire on Thursday.