THE Department of National Defense (DND) had two "juniors" to occupy its eminent seat in succession for a period of just a year: retired general Jose Faustino Jr. and Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. Both were former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chiefs of staff and both held the post in their capacities as senior undersecretaries. The department is again in a jubilant mood with the appointment of a third "junior" to hold the Defense portfolio for the second time — Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo "Gibo" Cojuangco Teodoro Jr., a lawyer. Just in time as the nation celebrates its 125th year of independence on June 12, 2023.
Since his appointment and oathtaking, until his actual assumption of office on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, interviews with him have hogged the news headlines. After a long-rumored designation, amid several names floating to steer national defense, Teodoro's anointment ended speculations why there has not been a regular DND secretary. With Gibo's gift of gab, no wonder his first media engagement was a blockbuster. "It was like a feeding frenzy," a DND official who witnessed the forum said. And why not? Gibo's pronouncements on major national defense issues were clear and concise, and articulated in sound bites that the media adores, and the public would love to hear from a president or a senator. And naturally, Teodoro sits at the DND high chair with expectations even higher.
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