Defense chief: Brawner set high standard for next AFP chief; dismisses 'noise' on WPS remarks

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has set a high standard for the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. prepares to appoint the military’s next top commander. Teodoro said the selection of the next AFP chief rests solely with the President and declined to discuss possible candidates or whether he had made a recommendation. “With less than a month before the change, that is for the President to decide,” Teodoro said on the sidelines of the Philippine Air Force’s 79th founding anniversary at Villamor Air Base. “The choice of the chief of staff is unique among all positions in the Armed Forces, so we will wait for the President’s decision.” He added that discussions on the appointment are confidential. “That process is between the President and the Secretary of National Defense. It is privileged, so it cannot be discussed,” he said. Teodoro, however, underscored the importance of continuity in military leadership, saying the next AFP chief must sustain ongoing reforms. “The succession is very important. You must choose somebody who will build on and continue General Brawner’s legacy,” he said. He also praised Brawner’s leadership, citing the challenges of the position. “Gen. Brawner set a high standard—whether in the local or international arena, or in the overall management of the AFP’s joint services—and he has been my partner in implementing necessary reforms and in the transition from focusing solely on ISO [internal security operations] to addressing both internal security and external defense,” he said. Brawner has served as AFP chief since July 2023, succeeding Gen. Andres Centino. Teodoro said the outgoing military chief has set “a very high standard” through reforms, improved joint force management, and the AFP’s ongoing transition from internal security operations to territorial defense. ‘Noise’ Asked about criticism from pro-China voices over his recent remarks on the West Philippine Sea, Teodoro dismissed the attacks and stood by his statements. “The public will judge. I has not said anything that isn’t true,” he said. He reiterated that the Philippines’ dispute is not with the Chinese people but with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government. “Our adversary is not the Chinese people. It is the Communist Party of China and its government, which is taking territory and twisting the narrative,” he said. Teodoro added that critics have resorted to creating “noise” rather than addressing the issues, saying the Philippines’ position is grounded in facts and is supported internationally. “They cannot counter the issue itself, so they resort to creating an uproar,” he said. “What we are saying is correct, and it is accepted by the rest of the world.”