Palace says Faustino knew AFP leadership change

Jose Faustino Jr. /DND

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday said that former Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. knew about the sudden change of leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Palace made the statement after Faustino said he resigned from his post after learning about the swearing-in of a new AFP chief in Malacañang from the news and social media.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has the “sole prerogative” to appoint the Philippine military’s chief of staff.

“According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former DND OIC Jose Faustino Jr. knew of the developments with regard to the appointment of Gen. Andres Centino, who is the only four-star general in the AFP,” she said.

In an earlier statement, Faustino said he resigned from his post to protect the reputation of the AFP.

He said he “cannot allow the AFP’s reputation to be tarnished, maligned, or politicized.”

Marcos reappointed Centino as the chief of the AFP, replacing his initial appointee Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro, who only served for about five months.

The President then appointed Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. as DND secretary, replacing Faustino.

Apart from these changes, at least nine other officials of the DND have also tendered their courtesy resignations.

JPV