Our usual reliable sources said Rear Adm. Leonardo Calderon, AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence, and national security adviser Norberto Gonzales discussed with GMA the pros and cons of extending Esperon’s services and the cons outweighed the pros.

Esperon’s proven loyalty to GMA was cited as one of the advantages in giving him an extension, but it could not make up for the expected demoralization in the military, especially among those prejudiced by retaining him.

Calderon, by the way, is Arroyo’s relative.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who was himself reported to be replaced by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, favored retaining Esperon. Both Ermita and Esperon are known FVR "boys." That could be a reason for his support of Esperon’s continued stay in the service.

The source said Gonzales and Calderon warned Arroyo that extending Esperon would be "destabilizing" to her presidency.

Just a naughty thought: Could it be a reason why Ermita wants Esperon’s services extended?

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There’s a lively discussion in my blog on the Esperon extension. . Chabeli said, "Let’s hope that Gloria extends Esperon’s term. The reaction from the people and the soldiers will be a nightmare for Gloria. She deserves nothing less than hell! It’s time for the tiger to devour her. Enough of her. Gloria has stayed in Malacañang too long.

When I shared the info about Calderon and Gonzalez’ advice, Sulbatz said, "Mga inutil yang mga advisers ni Gloria. Don’t they see the advantages of extending Esperon? Don’t they realize that it’s only Esperon and his kind who are capable of cheating, lying and stealing for her? Don’t they realize that it’s only Esperon who has that drooling and rabid askal instincts she needs to stay in power?

"Is there anybody else among the generals in the AFP capable of doing what Esperon does? And what happens now to Esperon’s dream of defeating the CPP/NPA in 2010…er 2008…er 2009? Kailan nga ba yung target niya talaga?

"Mga kababayan, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ipagdasal pa rin natin ng puspusan na ma-extend si Esperon! Nagpakagago na rin lang tayo. Lubus-lubosan na natin!"

Sulbatz also cited another reason for extending Esperon’s services.

"Kailangan din natin si Lorna Esperon. Ano pa ang magiging saysay ng AFP Ladies Club kung wala ng Lorna na titingalain at papalakpakan ala Imelda. Sino pa ang maririnig nating sumisigaw with a "hoarse voice"? Sino pa ang mag-mamanage ng V-Luna ngayon. Por Diyos porsyento, maawa naman tayo sa mga pasyente sa V-Luna. I-extend si Esperon! Yan ang sigaw ng bayan."

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Email address: ellentordesillas@gmail.com