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Philippines says military leadership transition will avoid a vacuum
The chief of staff post is set to turn over Tuesday as the armed forces face continuing pressure from Beijing in the South China Sea.
Senior officers in the Philippines say the planned retirement of chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jnr will not create a leadership vacuum, as Manila navigates a sensitive period for President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. SCMP Economy reports that the armed forces will maintain continuity of command and effort even if the top role is temporarily vacant.
Brawner is set to retire on Tuesday, with the outlet noting the law restricts him to a maximum of three years in the role. According to the Philippine military spokeswoman, there will always be an officer in charge and continuity will be preserved.
SCMP Economy also links the transition to external and internal pressures facing the military. The outlet says the handover comes as Manila faces pressure from Beijing in the South China Sea, and as some retired officers have called on the military to reconsider its support for Marcos, while incumbent leadership planning aims to keep the focus on external threats.