Sinabi ni Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año na nakahanda siyang manungkulan sa anumang posisyon sa gobyerno kapag nagretiro siya sa serbisyo militar sa Oktubre ng taong ito.
Ito ang naging reaksiyon ni Año sa pahayag ni Pangulong Duterte na siya ang susunod na magiging kalihim ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Whatever job is offered to us, if we can contribute, then I will do my best to be able to contribute,” sabi ni Año.
Sa naturang interbyu, sinabi rin ni Año na nagulat siya nang hirangin ang kanyang pangalan bilang susunod na DILG secretary nang ganito kaagad dahil may limang buwan pa siyang nalalabi bago magretiro.
“Well, I am surprised because this is very early although there is already talks that I’m being considered for a government position once I retire (but) not this soon, very soon. The announcement earlier (done by the president) is very sudden,” sabi ni Año.
Gayunpaman, sinabi niya na desisyon ng presidente ang masusunod kung kailan siya magsisimulang manungkulan bilang DILG chief.
“It will still depend on Code 1, on the president,” wika ni Año.
“I cannot answer specifically (when it will be) but on my part what I’ll do is prepare (for it). It will depend on the president when I will assume the position. If it’s earlier than October of course i have to retire early,” aniya.
Ayon kay Año, ang bibigyang pansin niya sa DILG ay ang solusyon sa mga suliraning kinakaharap ng bansa.
“I do know the role of the DILG in solving our internal security problem. Of course this is also a good opportunity to influence the whole of government to help in solving problems,” sabi niya. (Francis T. Wakefield)