(FILE) Robredo follows soldiers carrying a wreath during the Independence Day celebration at the Rizal monument in Manila on June 12, 2019. (TED ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Three former military officials expressed confidence in the capability of presidential candidate and Vice President Leni Robredo to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and handle national security issues.
In a forum organized by the 1Sambayan coalition, the former military officials were asked if they see Robredo as “capable enough” to address national security problems. Among the points raised in the question was that of Robredo being a woman.
Former AFP chief-of-staff and senator Rodolfo Biazon said no one leader can solve the problems of the country, stressing that a leader needs a team to help solve the issues.
“Ako’y natutuwa na yung paggamit niya (Robredo) ng laylayan, ang ibig sabihin nakatingin siya hindi lamang doon sa major issues—pero ang kalagayan ng ating nasa laylayan is a major issue,” Biazon said.
Former vice commander of the Philippine Navy Rear Adm. Rommel Ong said among Robredo’s strengths is that she knows how to listen.
“Ang importante sa isang lider, ke presidente, ke anumang pinuno siya, is marunong siya makinig sa staff niya o makinig sa mga taong pinagkakatiwalaan niya,” Ong said.
“But at the end of the day, as commander-in-chief, ang desisyon sayo pa rin ‘yun. Ang kagandahan na lang dun is yung decision niya is nahubog ng pakikinig sa kanyang mga policy advisers, hindi yung hinugot sa ere,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Philippine Navy officer and senator Antonio Trillanes said Robredo is a leader who can make a decision while being consultative.
“Marami kasi ina-underestimate siya dahil siya nga ay babae at malumanay pa siya magsalita,” Trillanes said.
“Despite the odds against her, nakita nyo kung paano siya nag-pursige. Inu-underestimate po si VP Leni because of her demeanor but let me assure you nakita ko na yan siya up close at work under pressure at ano talaga, matibay ang kanyang pagkatao,” he added.
Biazon also expressed beliefs that the “institutional sense of value” of the AFP remains intact despite efforts by President Rodrigo Duterte to court the support of the military.
“The military will support a good and strong leader. VP Leni is the kind of leader who does not need to bribe the military,” Biazon said.
Biazon likewise stressed the importance of the principle of “civilian authority over the military,” which he said a Robredo administration will “definitely advance.”