Gazmin: I’m not quitting

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin: I am not resigning. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday shrugged off reports he may soon step down to give way to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, who is retiring from the military service on July 20.

“I have no plans of resigning,” Gazmin told reporters after the launch of National Disaster Consciousness Month at Camp Aguinaldo.

“My service depends on President (Aquino). If he wants me to continue, then I will continue. If he wants me to resign, then I will resign. I’m thankful I was given a chance to return to public service,” he said.

At 69, Gazmin said he was still physically fit to perform his duties as defense secretary. “I’m actually stronger than other people my age.”

A former Philippine Army commander, Gazmin served as chief of the Presidential Security Group during the tumultuous years of the presidency of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Gazmin, meanwhile, said the Board of Generals of the AFP would convene Tuesday to study recommendations for Bautista’s successor.–Marlon Ramos