Philippines’ Former Military Chief to Return as Defense Minister Under Marcos Administration

President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (C) raises hands with Senate President Vicente Sotto III (L) and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco during his proclamation at the House of Representatives, Quezon City, Philippines, on May 25, 2022. Aaron Favila/AP Photo

The Philippines’ newly-elected president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has selected a retired general and former military chief to serve as the next defense minister, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said on June 17.

Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Jose Faustino would serve as senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge of the National Defense Department in an interim arrangement, according to local reports.