Aquino tells Gazmin: Don’t believe rumors

Rumors had it that he was going to be dropped from the Cabinet. So what did Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin do?

Like a soldier that he was, he talked directly to President Aquino.

“I went to see him about that rumor. He said, ‘Pinagti-trip-an ka lang (They’re just making fun at your expense).’ So his statement this morning is an assurance that it was just really a rumor,” Gazmin told reporters.

The rumors began flying after Gazmin said the Philippines had discovered “concrete blocks” in Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales province, which suggested that China might be building structures to back up its territorial claim over an area occupied by Filipinos.

The “concrete blocks” turned out to be old structures that had been in the area for quite a while and were already gathering moss.

Trusted aide

Talking with the media at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday, Gazmin said the President didn’t elaborate on who might have been playing games on him.

But one thing seemed clear after Monday’s Camp Aguinaldo ceremonies—“Volts” (as Gazmin is called by people close to him) is staying on in the administration.

Following last week’s rumors that Gazmin was on his way out, Aquino devoted half of his speech to praising his late mother’s most trusted aide.

Aquino spoke at the awards ceremony for soldiers who defended  Zamboanga City against raids by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels.

Soldiers’ rudder

Gazmin, whom the Aquinos treat more like a family member than a political ally, was the commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of then President Corazon Aquino, and was later the Army chief.

Aquino said that during those times when his mother’s administration was under siege, Gazmin never abandoned the family.

Noting that the defense department would be marking its 74th founding anniversary this month, Aquino called Gazmin “the rudder (timon) of our soldiers as they walk on the righteous path (tuwid na daan).”

Is it true?

Speaking in Filipino, Aquino said: “Who would not be happy with someone like him [Gazmin], who is there at all times to serve the country?”

“I know that our operations are in good hands because Secretary Volts is always in control and serves without fear,” the President said. “He and (Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff) Gen. Manny Bautista are combining their talents and skills to effectively check the designs of rebel groups.”

Gazmin said he went to the President’s office the day the rumors about his supposed imminent dismissal circulated.

“I wanted to know if it was true,” Gazmin said, chuckling. “If it were, why hadn’t he removed me? If he retains me, thank you. If he removes me, thank you, too, because my grandchildren have long been waiting for me.”

No threats

Asked to compare the attacks against Cory Aquino’s administration to the attacks against her son’s rule, Gazmin said both problems were difficult.

“When you talk of destabilization, it’s a serious problem,” Gazmin said. “You need manpower, the units, the commitment of the people. You need the belief of the people in you. It’s more difficult for me now because I am no longer a member of the AFP even if the AFP is under me. That’s the difference.”

Gazmin said the defense establishment and the military had not monitored any threats against the current administration, despite sharp criticisms it had received in connection with the pork barrel scandal.