DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said he has started preparing for the transition of power to the next defense secretary, less than three months before the end of the Duterte administration.
“I have directed my staff to prepare my own transition, prepare the documents,” Lorenzana said after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City as part of the Philippine Veterans Week.
Lorenzana said he has also asked his staff to start securing the necessary clearances from the Office of the Ombudsman and other agencies prior to their exit from the defense department.
He said he also ordered his staff to list the functions of the defense secretary, the bodies which he serves as chairman and member “so the next incoming will be aware and can prepare.”
“I think there will be a very smooth transition like Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin did to me. We talked and he gave me a briefing on what to do,” said Lorenzana, referring to his predecessor from the previous administration.
A retired Army general, Lorenzana is on the way to serving as defense secretary for six years, or the entire Duterte administration, on June 30. Gazmin, also a retired Army general, served as DND secretary for six years.
Lorenzana said he plans to rest after the Duterte administration, noting that “pressure” comes with the job of the defense secretary.
During the celebration of the Army’s 125th foundation anniversary last March 23, Lorenzana thanked soldiers for serving the country well.
“Allow me to thank the entire service especially our troops on the ground for your priceless and tireless service in the past five and a half years,” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said his stint as DND secretary would not have been productive and successful if not for the “rock-solid support” of the soldiers.
