The Philippine Online Chronicles

P.Noy got mixed reviews from his first press conference after the proclamation. The nation witnessed a leader who can display political will, but others thought that this was arrogance.

I read this Tweet reaction in response to a news item from GMANEWS.tv entitled Noynoy on AFP Chief Bangit: He Must Go:

@gmanewstv nilagay ni noy sa "bangit" ng alanganin ang kanyang katayuan. he he he...

The resolution of the incoming President to replace Bangit has been viewed by some as arrogance because of how the matter was handled by his camp. The people surrounding P.Noy has been lambasting the appointment of Bangit and called for his resignation, lest he may be relieved. While there is no question that P.Noy has the prerogative to hire and fire, and to chose people who enjoy his trust, there is a "professional" way to do it.

What is wrong with Bangit?

Except from the person who appointed him, and his statement given to media, as a soldier, what crime did he commit that merits public humiliation?

Yes, he may have opted to submit his courtesy resignation and avoid heading on with the incoming President, but again, there is a professional and dignified way of requesting a person, who served our country and risked his life to protect our territorial integrity and democracy, to step down. I believe we owe respect and honorable exit to public servants who served their country well and committed no crime. Likewise, civilian supremacy is not an excuse to disrespect the military.

The Bangit issue received not-so-good reactions from Filipinos following this news online. I have shared below two of the many comments:

Comment 1

No problem if Noynoy chose not to retain Gen. Bangit or any of the outgoing administration people not of his liking. Its his legal prerogative. But he should respect the office of presidency by acting in a professional way. He has his day to come and so near. He can do that objectively, formally and quietly. Corona responded to him professionally. And so is Arroyo in inviting him for the transition which is normal and supposed to be standard procedures, but Noynoy was making a big fuss out of it. Being professional, Arroyo congratulated him for his proclamation. Gen. Bangit kept a low profile and knew his tenure is within the power of his Commander-in-Chief. That's how they also do it in the corporate world. What Noynoy are showing are signs of vengeance, vindictiveness, grandstanding and immaturity. He's creating a stir that will later on will bounce back to him. Imagine tasting the overdose of Arroyo's own medicine. He hasn't yet proved a thing except that he got the number in getting the vote.

Comment 2

I find Noynoy's pronouncements on this issue very shallow to the point of sounding petty and petulant -- at 50, he still talks and reasons like an 11-year-old brat. Just because Gen. Bangit was appointed by Pres. Arroyo -- for whom he has no love lost, and appointed allegedly past the election ban deadline -- Noynoy is singling out the military chief for his petty revenge at Arroyo. Bangit would not have risen to a general's rank if he has not laid his life on the line countless times while on the battlefield as a young soldier, or sent his men to battle knowing that some of them would not come back alive. Bangit is a real-life hero already. He has proven himself. Noynoy still has to make his name. Can't he show some respect here? ... And he should remember that despite his wide lead over Erap, he was elected as a minority president -- meaning 6 in 10 Pinoys wanted someone else to lead them. A dose of humility would do him a lot of good as this nation's leader in the next 6 years...

In "change management” we are not only dealing with processes and machines but also people. Processes and machines can be upgraded and replaced anytime and expect no direct consequences. But people have emotions. People have friends and families, they have spheres of influence. While Gen. Bangit may have handled the embarrassment professionally [so far], and may opt to just fade away, we can not expect the same reaction from his friends and relatives. People may have chosen to be quiet right now, pero sabi nga nila eh "bilog ang mundo".

Because of this, the Aquino administration may have to regularly watch its back. The time and resources that will be spent on issues like this is better channeled to free the country of corruption, as promised in his campaign.

P.Noy needs all our support to succeed, let's pray that the people surrounding him will do him more good than harm.