DND chief says he serves at the pleasure of the President

Department of National Defense

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday emphasized that he serves at the pleasure of President Benigno S. Aquino III and stressed that he is very thankful to the Chief Executive for giving him a chance to serve the country.

”My service (at the defense department) depends on the President. If he wants me to continue, I will continue and if he tells me to resign, I will resign and thank him for giving me the opportunity to serve the country,” the DND chief said in Filipino.

Gazmin made this comment after news reports came out claiming that outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will replace him at the helm of the DND.

Bautista is scheduled to retire from the AFP by July 20.

Gazmin also said that fatigue is not a factor as he is still strong compare to other people in his age group.