The national interest will be considered in President Arroyo’s decision whether or not to extend the term of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, Malacañang said Friday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Charito Planas categorically hinted that the postponement of Ibrado’s farewell parade at the Philippine Army’s headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last Thursday was itself a “body language” that would surmise whether or not the AFP chief of staff will stay beyond his scheduled retirement on March 10.

Planas noted that in the past, the term extension of some AFP leaders “has been done.”

If Mrs. Arroyo decides to extend Ibrado’s term and will be subsequently questioned before a court, she said her lawyers will defend such decision.

Last month, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez warned President Arroyo that any move to extend the term of Ibrado is against the Constitution. (Charissa Luci)