Arroyo loyalist now military chief

Manila: A general known for his loyalty to President Gloria Arroyo formally assumed his post as head of the armed forces yesterday.

Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit, in his acceptance speech, said he was aware of the challenges that awaited him as head of the 224,500-strong armed forces, and that he would prove the integrity of the military.

"I would admit that this is a very delicate time to be the chief-of-staff," Gen Bangit said at the armed forces headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, suburban Quezon City.

Gen Bangit's appointment comes at a crucial time as the Philippines is due to hold a general election on May 10 and the top general is expected to help ensure the smooth turnover of authority by the time Arroyo's six-year-term officially ends on June 31.

Critical

"So critical is this forthcoming election that all possible scenarios… even the most unlikely scenario that I am here to destroy democracy, have been brought to the fore," said Gen Bangit.

Opposition leaders fear that Gen Bangit, a former chief of presidential guards and head of the military spy agency known for his close professional ties with Arroyo, will play a key part in keeping the president in power beyond her six-year-term.