February 29, 2000, The Philippine Star, No political pressure in Espinosa's relief, says Reyes, by Paolo Romero,

February 29, 2000, The Philippine Star, No political pressure in Espinosa's relief, says Reyes, by Paolo Romero, 

TERNATE, Cavite - Armed Forces chief Gen. Angelo Reyes denied yesterday that there was "political pressure" behind the relief of Marine Lt. Gen. Edgardo Espinosa as chief of the military's Southern Command (Southcom).

In a press briefing here, Reyes said Espinosa was relieved effective last Friday "for very compelling reasons" which he refused to elaborate.

"In the Armed Forces, we all serve at the pleasure of our superior authorities. When it's time to go, it's time to go," Reyes said.

When asked to elaborate, he said: "I'm not in the habit of (arguing) with subordinates on military issues of import through the media."

Reyes was reacting to Espinosa's claim that Reyes apparently succumbed to "pressures" from certain quarters seeking his relief.

Espinosa believes that presidential friend Lee Ping Wee was among those who wanted him out as Southcom chief. Lee denied this.

"Suffice it to say, I sincerely thank Lt. Gen. Espinosa for his meritorious service. He has served the Armed Forces, his country and people with distinction and this fine record has not and shall not be lost on us," Reyes said.

He said the Armed Forces "will remain proud of him as a comrade-in-arms and wish him well in his next endeavor."

For his part, Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said that if Espinosa, who is now assigned at Reyes' office, has any complaint about his relief as Southcom head, he should "address (it) to his peers."

"The matter of Espinosa's relief was a product of a decision made by the Board of Generals. In turn, I made my recommendation, upholding the decision at the level of the (Armed Forces) chief of staff, to the President," Mercado said.

"I think the proper forum for that (complaint) is the Board of Generals," he said.

Mercado also denied that Espinosa was relieved upon the "verbal order" of President Estrada.

"There was a written order," Mercado said. Espinosa has questioned the disposition form that effected his relief supposedly upon the President's "verbal instruction."

Espinosa was replaced by Maj. Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, chief of the Southern Luzon Command.

Villanueva will be promoted to three-star rank when he takes over as head of Southcom, which covers the entire Mindanao area and surrounding islands.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim, chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, said yesterday he is not desperate to become the next Armed Forces chief to have a hand in Espinosa's relief.

"I don't know anything about it and I don't have anything to do with it. Why not ask the President and Gen. Reyes why he was relieved? Who do you think am I to pressure Gen. Reyes to order his relief?" he said.

Espinosa has hinted that certain quarters wanted him out of Southcom in a bid to derail his chances of becoming the next Armed Forces chief. Reyes and retired Gen. Joselin Nazareno both headed Southcom before they were named military chief. -- With Edith Regalado